In December, we watch “magical” Christmas movies, shop from stores promising a special season, and hear songs proclaiming this as “the most wonderful time of the year.” We feel pressure to be jolly, but sometimes we’re not. It is unrealistic to expect you or your loved ones to feel better simply because it is the season to be jolly. If you or someone you love is struggling with the Christmas blues, you are not alone. Many people find the season difficult. Counselor Cindy Elrod advises us to be in touch with our feelings during the season. Accept feelings Though you may feel like you are supposed to be merry, don’t force it. You just cant be where youre not,” says retired United Methodist state correctional chaplain, The Rev. Ben Wright. “So if you feel down,” he continues, “feel down.”We ought to give others space to feel whatever they are feeling as well, so you are not trying to ‘fix’ them in order to ease your own distress.” Manage expectations There can be a lot of pressure to make Christmas perfect. “Lt go of how things have always been or are supposed to be and allow this holiday to reflect your current reality.” Don’t push the “holiday spirit” upon your loved one. Give space and permission for them to cancel a day of shopping, or to initiate a deep conversation on a day you had planned for celebration. Be selectively social While everything in you may want to be alone, fight that urge sometimes. Retired United Methodist Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel H. Nigolian of the United States Air Force, encourages those who are struggling to “get with other people.” When serving those deployed far from family during the holidays, “Chaplains work very hard to provide fellowship opportunities for the troops whenever and wherever they happen to be,” Nigolian continues. Don’t feel obligated to attend every Christmas event, but make sure you make time to be with other people. Stay conected with those who are feeling blue during the holidays. Offer to help. Care for the body Physical factors such as fatigue and low blood sugar, can contribute to a sense of sadness. When feeling down, extra attention to your health is helpful. “Adequate sleep, exercise, and good nutrition relieve stress, deter depression and improve self-esteem.” Watch your language Be mindful of times you talk to yourself in ways you would never speak to another. Thoughts like, “I should be over this by now,” or “I’m ruining Christmas for everyone,” add guilt, which exacerbates the sadness. Instead, look for things to celebrate. Be your own cheerleader.Focus your attention on listening to the sad person rather than talking during this time. Worship--Candles with blue hue Attending a special worship service can be healing. Many churches offer special Blue Christmas or Longest Night worship gatherings. Churches design these services to offer those in attendance the hope of Christmas even while feeling a sense of sadness.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 13:17:45 +0000
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