Christmas charade

The decorations are up, the lights aglow,

But my heart's not in it, my soul feels low.

I fake a smile, I play the part,

A Christmas charade, a hollow heart.

I cook the meals, I host the cheer,

But inside I'm crying, "Is it this year?"

The noise, the crowds, the endless small talk,

I just want to escape, and let my feelings walk.

Bah humbug, I mutter under my breath,

As I force a laugh, and pretend to be jovial in death.

But deep inside, I'm screaming to be free,

To just say no, and let the holiday be.

I wish for a moment, just one blink of the eye,

For it all to be over, and the new year to come by.

Not because I don't love the holidays' cheer,

But this year, it's just too much, I can't pretend, I'm sincere.

It's okay to feel this way, to not be in the mood,

To prioritize me, and my emotions, I've been rude.

It's hard to explain, to those who don't understand,

That sometimes, it's just a season, I need to take a stand.