Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Hallie, a Catholic convert who grew up in a non-religious family, reflects on Christmastime without God. As a person with a similar background, I found this to be especially moving. Here's an excerpt:

Each and every year I spent Christmas in tears. That is not an exaggeration. It became a running joke in the family. I remember it so clearly. I felt such sorrow each Christmas. I couldn’t explain it. I didn’t know why I felt this way but my heart hurt. Even just remembering it makes me a little sad. I now know why.

Read the rest.