Rolling with the Holidays

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Matthew 5:3-4

As Gina walked through the department store, she could hear the upbeat, traditional Christmas music blaring over the system. Everywhere she looked were reminders of the Christmas season. Holiday lights strung across the aisles, Santa Clauses, Christmas bells hanging, and an array of Christmas wreathes; ornaments and decor. Some would say the decorated store was such a festive place to be, a shoppers dream. However, as she walked through the aisles, Gina did not feel uplifted and joyous as some would think. Instead, she found herself feeling anxious and sad. When she came home after shopping, she called her closest friend, Betty. Telling her about her trip to the store, Gina posed a challenging question to her good friend:

“What is the matter with me that I can’t get excited and into the Christmas spirit like everyone else?” she asked with a catch in her voice and a tear in her eye.

Then she heard her dear friend on the other end of the phone say: “The holidays are not a happy time for everyone. You’ve been through a lot. Do the best you can and just try to roll with it.”

Gina was both comforted and concerned about what Betty had said, and she quietly wondered:

How can I roll with it when I can’t even tolerate Christmas music that is everywhere for the next 6 weeks?”

The Holiday Blues: A Most Unwelcome Visitor

Sometimes the blues roll in at the most inopportune times. In fact, the holidays can actually be a very difficult time of year for anyone experiencing a loss or grief of any kind. Examples include coping with the death of a loved one or pet, divorce, unemployment; residue from childhood abuse or any form of emotional trauma; depression or PTSD or other mental health issues, infirmity, disability, and aging to name a few situations that can promote sadness and/or anxiety around the holidays.

So what can we do if you feel that you are emotionally bombarded by the holidays and it is triggering an uncomfortable negative reaction within you? Here are a few ideas to help you cope with the holiday season:

• Understand that you are not alone in how you are feeling, as there are many people who feel just like you.
• Listen to music you choose that at first matches your mood, then elevate it from there. Perhaps some James Taylor or Jackson Browne to start. If Christmas music is a trigger making you feel sad, avoid it. There are plenty of other options.
• Being with family and friends is important, but it’s okay not to accept every holiday invitation that comes your way.
• Be sure and take some time just for you to unwind and experience the season on your own terms—even if that means avoiding Christmas music when you are home or out and about.
• Eat healthy, exercise, and get adequate rest to replenish your mind and body when trying to navigate the holidays, and as part of a lower stress lifestyle. Research has proven that both are vital to experiencing ones best physical and mental health.
• Reading, crafting, sewing, writing, having coffee or a low-key lunch with a good friend may be helpful. These activities all have the potential to be healthy outlets to help you cope with the holiday blues.
• If you find the holidays overwhelming at best, try giving yourself permission to take short breaks to grieve whatever loss or grief you are facing, but strive for balance. Moderation in all things is important, even, and especially, when you are hurting, want to be alone, or feeling alone.
• Some find it helpful to reach out to help others when they are experiencing depression. Perhaps finding a soup kitchen to serve meals or visiting a nursing home or helping at church may give you some much needed relief and serve as a distraction for the holiday blues.
• Be true to yourself, honest about your feelings. That will take off some of the pressure and help you roll with the holidays.
• Most of all, pray, read your Bible, and ask God for His help. God will grant you great peace if turn to him in the midst of your sadness and angst. Jesus is with you wherever you go, whatever you do, however you are feeling, He’s there!

No, the holidays are not always the happiest time of the year for everyone. For some, they can bring about dread and feelings that are uncomfortable. However, by trying some of these things you may be able to find solace and peace and feel better through the holidays navigating each day with greater ease.

© Copyright 2024   |   Adele M. Gill

About the Author

Adele M. Gill is a retired RN, Chaplain, spirituality and health writer, award winning author of 6 books, founder and author of The Inspiration Café Blog, https://theinspirationcafeblog.net and a recipient of the Positive Change Podcast Award. https://youtube.com/@adelemgill/videos