Holiday Depression?
It may be a bit late for this, but here are some easy ways to ward off the holiday blues that might work for you…
The gist of all these ideas is focusing on something outside yourself, and not dwelling on your own feelings.
For starters, remember that a lot of people aren’t going to be experiencing the Hallmark version of Christmas. People’s families are scattered, or they aren’t particularly close anymore, or their friends are all out of town or have other plans.
While you’re consoling yourself with that thought, you might also want to think about having some of them over (the people you know, anyway) so none of you ends up alone. To simplify things, make it pot-luck.
If that doesn’t work out, think about getting out of the house! There are so many organizations that need help this time of year that you should have a lot to choose from.
Unfortunately, just about any city is going to have at least one (dozen?) homeless shelter or soup kitchen that needs volunteers. They also tend to need donations – if you have any warm clothes you don’t wear anymore, round them up and drop them off. Don’t forget donations for the food bank. Whether this makes YOU feel better or not, it will certainly make someone else happy. Staying warm and eating will do that.
You can also check for charities that sponsor families in need. There are a lot of these charities operated by your local radio and TV stations, newspapers, church groups, the Salvation Army etc. Donations will buy presents and a Christmas dinner that wouldn’t otherwise be enjoyed.
You might also find that a local hospital hosts some sort of event for the holidays. Getting involved with this might give you AND the sick kids the mood boost you need.
You could even do something completely radical and take in a church service. Whether the Christ in Christmas means anything to you or not, it is meant to be a religious holiday. Getting a bit of that spirit back might not be such a bad thing.
If all else fails, get out of town. Any environment that isn’t your empty house will be good for you. Really. Go skiing. Do anything!
