This is a time of year when the expectations are so high and the demand for joyfulness is so great. We are filled with tunes like “Joy to the World” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”; we race around shopping for the perfect gifts, getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season; we fill our schedules with holiday parties and concerts; we turn out an abundance of Christmas cookies, chocolates, and special holiday meals.

But this time of year can also highlight our sadness – our own darkness, fear, and grief. Maybe your loved one has died, either recently or years ago. Maybe your fami...