Since the end of November, my house has been designated by the CDC as a laboratory of viruses. At least three strains of the cold, each with its own varying symptoms, and then two instances of the flu, have been cataloged, exchanged, and sampled. Then came Christmas.
Rather than imagining dancing sugarplums from “The Night Before Christmas” poem, I was up most of the night after Christmas struggling to find my breath between coughs, wheezes and sniffles. I’m not even sure that Santa visited here; the sound of any reindeer on the roof being muffled by my pounding headache. The smart one in the family escaped the asylum and flew to Florida, where some of this holiday cheer will no doubt be spread.
It’s hard to be merry – even at Christmastime – when you don’t feel well.
Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but in the Bible story of the first Christmas, there is no mention of “happy” or “merry”; instead, you read of “joy.” The angel who appeared with a message for the shepherds announced: Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people (Luke 2:10).
Happiness and merriment are results of emotions based in circumstances. When circumstances aren’t what we hoped or filled with fun, there is no happiness. Joy, however, is an inner peace and contentment produced by the Holy Spirit in the child of God. Despite our individual holiday circumstances, God has given to us an overwhelming and great joy: Christ Jesus has come into this world to save sinners, of whom I am chief (1 Timothy 1:15).
Where Living Begins 
Sorry for all that you been through,as a family we have prayed for you.This message has taught me something new,the difference between happiness and joy.Thank you so much.