Not all will spend time with family this festive season.

Not because they don’t want to,

but because some families are toxic.

There’s a child who,

despite endless promises,

will spend the festive season with

a broken heart and an absent father,

yet again.

There’s a family that is falling apart

because the matriarch,

a wise grandmother,

or a fearless mother,

is no longer.

There are siblings who’ve been kicked

out of their family home because of

an evil step-parent.

Somewhere a mother still weeps for her child.

Before we go partying,

get drunk,

or waste time complaining

about all things we don’t have,

let’s give thanks for those families that bless us

with love, safety, and security.