Finding the Magic in Holiday Blues

  

   Around this time of year, many people have been struck with holiday cheer. They go around singing Christmas carols, are hitting every ugly sweater party they can find, and are just walking around as if the world covered in Christmas lights and candy canes is the best version of reality. Normally, I am one of those people. The type of person who just seems to enjoy the holidays too much; as if there were some secret they are walking around with that the scrooges of the world can't seem to uncover.

But what of the many people who are walking around with the holiday blues? The ones who just cant seem to get their smile to reach their eyes in the family pictures or as they go about shopping for presents for their loved ones.

   While this time of year can bring so much joy to some, we must be aware that for others, it is a reminder of things they wish to forget. Maybe some of you have lost your job this year, and can't seem to hold another one down. For others, the finances this year have been rough, and not only did you lose your house or file bankruptcy, but your also scrounging just to put together one Christmas gift for your kids. Or for some, like me, this is a Christmas, (or another Christmas in a row) where you have to spend it knowing that loved ones have passed on and will never be there for another Christmas on this Earth again.

   No one prepares you for how to handle the sadness that may come during what is supposed to be the happiest season of all. You may, like me, be able to enjoy the festivities with your spouse and child(ren), just to have the blues hit you during the quiet moments of the season. Or you may have a breakdown during an important, happy event because the only thing you can focus on is what you have lost or what is missing. For others, they completely shut down and just want to skip the celebrations as much as they can so they can try and skip the pain that might come with the season. Lastly, there are those who have no one. They are completely alone for the holidays and the thought of that alone, is just too much to bear.

   What can any of us do when these blues hit us out of the left field? My answer, is to find the magic and beauty in the season again. If you are forced to have a Charlie Brown Christmas this year, then rock that Charlie Brown Christmas. Take this year to focus on the importance of having friends and family surrounding you, and if you're religious, take the opportunity to delve deep into the message of the first Christmas. If you are all alone, take this Christmas as a chance to make new friends by going to your city or town's celebrations, or by offering your help somewhere it is needed. Go grab a hot cocoa and get lost in the magic of walking around a neighborhood and looking at all the Christmas lights. Above anything else, for those who are suffering this Christmas, don't forget to let those around you show you their love and support. It is so easy for us to get consumed with our pain, that we tend to close off parts of our hearts to those who are trying to show us they are there. I encourage you all to let yourself have those moments where you let out the grief/pain, but it's okay to enjoy the the joyfulness that surrounds you as well. 

   No matter what your situation this year, if you have the holiday blues, take the time to find the magic in the smallest of things, and it will help you find the balance you need to heal this holiday season.