The United States has many holidays—federal, cultural, and religious. Some of them, such as Christmas, New Year's, Valentine’s Day, and Mother's and Father’s Day, are laden with expectations, such as how we are expected to feel, who we’re supposed to celebrate with, and what that holiday is supposed to look like.
For many (if not most) people, one or more of these holidays can bring up less than joyous feelings. Some people don’t celebrate Christmas as their holiday. Others are without family on a day that many see as about family. Many are without a partner on Valentine’s Day—due to choice, loss, absence, or unfulfilled longing—or in an unhappy or dissatisfying union. Some........