​Part 2: Navigating These Holidays When Your Heart Ain't Right: It's Okay, For Real

🦃 Y’all. Thanksgiving 2025 Reflection: It's Okay Not To Be Okay, Sis. ✨

Y'all.

Whew. Let’s talk about this Thanksgiving 2025 reflection, because it was a whole mood, a whole journey, and honestly, a whole vibe shift.

We stayed at home. As usual. This is our new norm, and real talk? I'm ok with it. We cooked exactly what we wanted, how we wanted—no compromises, no performing. Pajamas all day. Only had the company we invited. Simple. Peaceful.

The Ride Home Sucker Punch 🥊

But listen. Riding home from dropping my Uncle off, it hit me. Like a physical punch to the gut.

The feelin' sorry for myself. The tears. Sadness. Anger. That deep, isolating loneliness. It all came flooding in.

We went from gathering in what was basically a tiny house—my six aunts and uncles, my mom, grandparents, countless cousins, and anybody my grandparents invited over in town. We were sitting on top of each other. Crockpots, foil pans, plastic ware, Styrofoam cups, paper plates. The chaotic symphony of laughter, side conversations, smiles, stories, and cousins running wild. Pure love. Absolute joy.

I always thought that was it. I never imagined that would only be a memory. Yet, here we are.

My aunts and uncles are with their own families now. My brother and niece are across the country. And for a minute, that empty space—the one my Mom and grandparents once filled—created a void. A feeling of having no place to truly belong.

👑 Creating the Next Legacy

Then I checked myself. I said, "Self, you heard your brother. You are creating the next Grandma's house for your future grandchildren."

DAMN. RIGHT.

It may be an isolating journey on the way, watching the scattering and feeling the quiet. However, in years to come, my babies and their babies will look forward to holidays and gatherings at Grandma's house. They will have a place to land.

And this. This realization brings me a sense of belonging that’s undeniable. I’m right where I belong, at home. Cooking our now-traditional Gumbo Greens and pound cake. Making ice cream floats. Not dressing up for the living room. And, of course, rocking my version of "Grandma's Dressing."

✨ You Are Not Alone, Sis

So sis, if you felt any sense of not belonging, or self-pity, or anger, or whateva you felt, I promise you were not by yourself on that one.

It's okay! We are human, and we are allowed to feel! But let's not stay there. We got this. We may not feel it yet, but we are right where we belong: Creating the future we were meant to lead.

I hope y'all found some peace in the chaos, and maybe even started a new tradition (or two!) in your PJs.

Much love from your favorite Craftin Ass Blk Grl ✨️🫶🏿