The Holiday season

December 24, 2013

For some, this holiday season brings out the best.  A time of buying presents, getting together with family and friends, giving thanks to what we have, and looking back to all the wonderful things that have transpired in our lives this past year.  For others, the holiday season may be a time of tragedy and pain, a remembrance of those who have since passed on, reflections of childhood memories filled with arguments at the dinner table, and a time of celebrating a holiday while struggling with depression, loneliness, and anxiety.  I believe that the holidays are truly what you make of it.  For example,  if you are struggling with loneliness and depression,  keep reminding yourself that these are mainly just thoughts and possibly not a true reflection of how you feel about the holidays. Planning something special and/or decorating your home means that you have something to look forward to as opposed to not wanting to do anything because you are feeling negative.   If this is you this season, give yourself the time and the permission to feel sad. Scale back on your activities.  If there are some traditions you cannot face this year, remember that you can politely excuse yourself.  The holidays has a way of turning the world into fantasy where everyone is supposed to be happy but as I stated before, you have the ability to make the holidays a memorable time and something to your liking. Be good to yourself.