How to Beat the Christmas Blues - Ten Tips for Overcoming Holiday Depression
Posted: Friday, December 04, 2009
by Mark Parsec
Wordcasters
The holiday season is the most difficult time of year for many people. The stress of getting numerous Christmas gifts, Christmas decorations, Christmas cards and then arranging to visit families and friends - and all this on a limited income stretch many families to the snapping point. Couples argue over expenses, priorities in who to shop for and who not to shop for, and who to visit and not visit. Then there are the memories of Christmas past, loved ones lost or children who have grown up and moved away, things left unsaid or things said that never should have been mentioned. Add to this list photosensitive depression (depression caused by shorter days of sunlight) and a little alcohol and you have a recipe for disaster. No wonder there are more suicides during the Happy Holidays than any other time of the year.
OK, so what can you do to stave off the Christmas Blues? Here are ten tips to keep you looking up during the Holiday Season…
1. Review your budget and make sure that you do not overspend. You may not be able to get the “perfect” gift this year. But, that’s OK; it is the thought that counts.
2. Do your Christmas shopping at thrift stores and discount centers. Even garage sales can offer some of those nostalgic items that you cannot find anywhere else at fantastic prices.
3. Instead of gifts, try cookies, fudge brownies, bread or some other treat that you can make at home. A little colored cellophane wrapping and shazam… Uncle Fester is happy.
4. Put off those long trips to visit relatives out of town. Let them know that your love for them is solid as a rock, but your finances are not. If they love you, they will understand.
5. Get plenty of rest. Prioritize and schedule your activities. Put off those things that are not at the top of your list.
6. If you have a partner, instead of getting separate gifts for the same people, get a gift from both of you.
7. Get plenty of sunshine when you can, exercise to stay in shape, avoid the junk food and eat regular healthy meals… but not too much.
8. Remember to live in the present. The past is what it was; this is a new day, a new Holiday Season and an opportunity for new memories and friendships.
9. If the old songs bum you out, do not listen to them.
10. Try to avoid alcohol or limit your drinking.
If you have other ideas on how to avoid the Christmas Blues add them to this list by using the comment section at the bottom of the article.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Good advice! So many seem to be especially vulnerable during the holiday season. MarijoHi Marijo,
Thanks for your comments. I hope this article helps some of those who struggle so much.
Mark
I have another suggestion and that is to stop getting involved in the commercial hype that Christmas has become. It is mostly driven by the retail sector. Our family decided to stop giving each other presents that we probably didn't need and likely didn't even like. I think that Christmas is for the kids who love it and so we restrict present giving to them and instead just concentrate on getting together with family and sharing memories and good times without most of the stress.Good suggestion. Spending time with family and just talking sounds like a great way to reduce the stress.
Thanks for your comments.
Mark
Good article honey,You did forget to mention prayer. It always helps this photosentative wife of yours.Love you,MichelleHi Michelle,
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on this article. I love you too!
Mark
Good article Marc. Thanks for sharing.Linda DHi Linda,
I'm glad you liked the article. I would love to have you as an author at Blogz. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
God bless you and D.
Mark & Michelle
Thanks for the advice Mark! Merry Christmas to you and all your loved ones!!!!! Luis
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