Merry Christmas!

 


Merry Christmas dear friends,

Does your house look like this? Not likely. When I was a young mother I made an effort to make our house Christmassy for my kids. And when I was a kid, my mother made that effort for me and my sister. 

Sometimes our glowing memories of what we call 'Christmas' are simply something our dear mothers pulled off, no work on our part. And that's if we were lucky enough to have a devoted mother. But there lies the problem. Our first impressions of Christmas stay with us as the normal Christmas and all Christmasses pale in comparison.

Christmas expectations are what can lead to disappointment. Be warned. 

And this is not just for people who deal with depression and anxiety but for everyone!

Many people get depressed at this time of year. I understand that too well. You are not alone.

So, what can we do about it?

Here's some tips:

1. Lower our expectations.

2. Make a plan, write it out. If it's too busy, eliminate something. If it's not busy, find something to do. Maybe visit someone who is worse off than you are.

3. Contact an old friend or two, someone who meant a lot to you way back then. Share some good memories with them.

4. Watch a Hallmark Christmas movie - or not! If they cheer you up, go ahead. If they make you feel depressed with all the beautiful people and beautiful decorations and happy endings, then don't watch!

5. Listen to some Christmas music and sing a long, it's like your own carolling party.

6. Go to a Christmas eve service at a church, hear the message of Christmas, of Jesus coming to save us all and sing the carols and let the real reason for Christmas wash over you.

7. Now what about who visits who and when, or who doesn't visit or what child never comes home for Christmas? Those are tough emotional things to experience. I have no answers for that except to try the above suggestions and make the best of it.

You know, just looking at this list makes me feel overwhelmed. And that is part of the problem. 'Christmas' has grown into this big thing with so many moving parts. It's simply too much for a lot of us. Know yourself and be kind to yourself. Say no to some of those parts of Christmas including unreal expectations.

And remember this. You're not the only one who feels stressed about Christmas, disappointed about their own Christmas or left out of the fun. It is a common thing. There is nothing wrong with you. And just like everything else, Christmas will be over before you know it!

May you survive or even thrive during this difficult season. Take care of yourself. I'm rooting for you. I'm praying for you...right now.


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