There are moments in time where the world just feels happier. We reflect on those moments — things like Woodstock or, for a younger generation, the summer of Pokemon Go — as brief flickers, glimpses of a happier world where we can just let the cold reality fall away, for a little while, anyway. The world just feels brighter during those rare moments.

For many of us, Christmastime is another of those moments. It feels trite to say — or perhaps Hallmark-y — but there’s just something about Christmas. There’s a vibe that people everywhere are having amazing mornings opening presents and spending time with their families; making memories that for many will last a lifetime.

But the truth is, the holidays are often rough for many. And Christmas, as the king of holidays — at least in the US — is frequently the roughest of all.

Some may have gone through rough breakups recently, or be spending their first year without a parent. Some among us, God help them, may be spending their first year without a child.

For as much as Christmas is a time of euphoric delight, steeped in tradition and family and gestures of goodwill and presents (who can forget the presents?)… it is equally a time of trauma, depression and loss.

It can be very difficult to sit there in sadness, knowing that all around you, people are having perhaps the best day they will have all year.

There’s a sort of dull ache, a hole in the heart that yearns and pines and dreams.

Our Christmas wish this year is that these people all be remembered, loved and cherished. It may not happen this year. It may not happen the next.

But we wish for it to happen one day.

Much has been written and sung about how the best gift we can give to others at Christmas is not presents, but presence.

The wrapped trinkets, toys and treasures under the tree may be a pleasant focal point, but the real joy is in the togetherness — being part of a family or community and experiencing being comfortable, loved and appreciated.

Far too many people throughout the world will not have that experience this holiday season.

Spare a thought for them amidst your own holiday celebration. Just a little good will and hope for tidings of good cheer, if you may.

Then go back to the ecstatic ripping of paper and screams and laughter and all the rest, and be thankful, and enjoy it.

We at The Express wish you all a very Merry Christmas, wherever you are and whatever circumstances this blessing finds you in — and if this year doesn’t look to be very merry, then we wish for that to change in 2026!