They ask real questions, they listen to your answers, they remember what you said last time you talked. Others go through the motions. They smile the right way, say the right things, give the right gifts, but there's no real presence behind any of it.

I've stopped accepting fake Christmas cheer from people. It's worse than rejection, honestly. Rejection is honest. Fake kindness is a lie dressed up in tinsel.

What I've learned is that sincerity during the holidays is especially rare because everyone's under so much pressure to be perfect and jolly. So many people are performing Christmas instead of actually living it. They're stressed, exhausted, bitter—but smiling through it all. And that gap between what they're feeling and what they're showing is so painful to witness. 🌙

I find myself appreciating people more when they just tell the truth about how they're feeling. If someone says "I'm not in the Christmas spirit this year and I'm struggling with that," suddenly they become real to me. Suddenly I can actually help them. But if they pretend everything is fine while clearly falling apart inside, I can't reach them.

This year I'm being really intentional about who I spend my Christmas time with. I'm choosing people who show up as themselves. People who can laugh at the dysfunction in their families without pretending everything is perfect. People who admit when the holidays are hard. People who don't use Christmas as an excuse to be fake. 💝

Do you ever feel like the holidays pressure you to be someone you're not?

The most beautiful Christmas I ever had was quiet and small, with people I could be completely honest with. No performances, no expectations, just real connection. That's worth more than any elaborate celebration. ✨

Maru