It is easy to become sad or even depressed during the holidays.  The additional stress on your time, money and energy can be overwhelming.  Of course if you experience full blown depression you should seek the advice of a professional to help you cope, but if you find yourself with the blues the following may help you get through the season in fine spirit! You may feel sad when thinking of loved ones who are no longer with you, or the added stress of too much time with loved ones can weigh on your nerves.  Keep reminding yourself that the holidays only last for a few weeks and life will return to normal soon. 
Try not to over indulge during the season of “overload”.  Too much of anything will throw your physical and mental state off kilter.  This includes eating too many rich foods, too many sweets or drinking too much alcohol.

Play some upbeat holiday tunes.  I look forward to decorating for the holidays with the sounds of the season blaring from the stereo inside and outside of my home.  I even turn on the outside speakers as I decorate the yard.  It is my tradition to help get me into the holiday spirit.           

As families cross over to include in-laws, and outlaws, welcome some new “traditions” into your family.  Do not be stubborn beyond reason.  Does it really matter in the long run if you have turkey or ham for Christmas Eve dinner?
Set a budget and stick to it.  If relatives or family offer you money to help with the expenses of the holiday gatherings, accept it.  Or ask relatives and guests to bring a dish or desert when they come for a meal.  My relatives will bring a sack of potatoes and pies when they come to my house for the holidays and my mother-in-law brings the largest dish of homemade macaroni and cheese you have ever seen.  Be grateful for any help you are offered.  Someone offering to walk the dog, bathe the baby or set the table goes a very long way when you are pressed for time.           

Keep some time set aside for your immediate relationships.  Your children, your parents and your spouse deserve to know you love them even if you have a tendency to turn into Linda Blair’s character from The Exorcist.
Plan ahead and set aside time to shop, bake, visit with relatives and go to parties.  Prepare your wardrobe in advance to prevent last minute surprises. 

Learn to say “no”.  You may have to turn down an invitation or two.  It is physically impossible to be in more than one location at the same time.  Flip a coin or draw a card if you must, but don’t plan too many events on the same date.  Remember to schedule some time for yourself.  Keep with your workout routine and try to schedule some time to relax in the tub or snuggle up with a great novel.  You may want to schedule some time in the sun or for phototherapy.  This is an effective treatment if your sadness is amplified by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  With shorter days in the winter we all are prone to sleeping and eating more than we should.  If you find this is disrupting your everyday routine, seek professional help.           

If you find yourself alone for the holidays, volunteer to help.  There is no shortage of charities that could use your time and skills.  Who knows, you may even meet that “someone special” who also found they had time to give of themselves this year.  There is nothing quite like the feeling of having helped someone in need.  It is just fine to be proud of yourself for helping a charity, so go ahead and pat yourself on the back!           

Try not to compare this holiday to those of the past or “the good ole’ days”, each day is a gift and it is what you make of it.  It is normal to feel sad and miss those you love or better times of your youth, but try to look to the future with new goals and dreams.           

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