Thank you for this post, Frank. My H's A was during Christmas last year as well, and this month has been uber-difficult for me on a lot of levels. I completely agree with you. Our piecing is probably coming to an end post-holiday as well, so that possibility is difficult to process during this 'happy' time of year.
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Is 43:18-19
If it seems slow in coming, wait. It's on its way. It will come right on time. Hab 2:3