The holidays are a great time of joy and celebration which is why sometimes you also have to deal with sadness.
It is a bit odd experiencing joy and sadness at the same time but that really is how life goes. I lost my 12-year-old son in 2009. Of course, I miss him every day but special days and holidays really resurrect my deep, deep sorrow. At the same time I’m enjoying my wife and other two sons I’m deeply sad and missing Connor. Both adults and kids in stepfamilies can experience this same mixed bag of emotions. What you need to give each other is a little extra TLC and grace during the holidays.