Christmas...Season of Joy

Every year in America the Christmas Season kicks off on the last Thursday of November when families all over the country celebrate Thanksgiving. For a few weeks every year hearts are light and everyone devotes themselves to surprises, decorating the home, and preparing for the one day of the year when it is more blessed to give than receive. At least that is the way it is supposed to be done. For many people it is exactly the opposite.

    Children eagerly await Santa Clause and his bag of gifts on Christmas Eve. This is a time of great joy and happiness abounds. For some people the glimmer has worn thin and instead of great joy there is sadness. There are many reasons for this seasonal depression. This year it would be surprising if there were not an element of depression among the population.

    The economy is not doing well. Unemployment is rising to 10.2%; higher than it has been in recent history. Many people have been out of work for more than a year and there is no work in sight. Worries about healthcare and the lack of health insurance trouble our dreams. So how is it possible to stave off depression in this environment?

    Depression comes from many sources, and happiness is not something that can be bought and sold. It is important to look inside yourself and make a realistic assessment of your own personal situation. Why are you feeling depressed? Are you truly depressed or just a little out of sorts because of problems in your life? Some things can be fixed, and some things cannot be fixed. It is up to you to know the difference.

    You make choices every day of your life and you can choose happiness if that is what you want. The first thing you have to do is do a thorough review of your situation and figure out exactly what is making you depressed. Have you had a death in the family? Are you out of work and unable to provide the usual Christmas gifts? Are you estranged from your family? Are you away from home and alone?
   
    Many things can interfere with your happiness at this season and it is up to you to make the best of the situation. Of course you can always wallow in your situation if you want to but I think that will only make you more miserable.

If you are concerned about your depression and want to take a proactive approach to changing your feelings; there are things you can do.

Make a date with yourself to do some serious reflection. Think about times in the past when you were happy during the Christmas holidays. What was it about those days that made you happy? You may discover that it was not the expensive presents, but more simple pleasures. Try if you can to remember the happiest Christmas of your life. Focus on this memory and think critically about it. What was it that made you so happy? Was it the people? The gifts? The entertainment? What was your mood?
Write down in a journal everything you can think of about those happy times. When you do this you will have a starting point to making changes in your current circumstances.

    I recently found that my circumstances had changed and I was not looking forward to the Christmas season like I have always done. One day I found myself window shopping where the early Christmas decorations had been put out. I am not annoyed by finding these decorations early. I could enjoy Christmas all year round. As I strolled through the store a thought came to me that opened my eyes to my situation.

    There are people whom I love who have distanced themselves from me. Because of this I felt abandoned and dismayed at the coming Christmas Season. It was at this moment that the thought occurred to me that I had ALWAYS loved everything about Christmas. I loved it before I ever knew any of these people I was missing! It was forcibly pointed out to me that enjoyment is not in our circumstances or in other people. Everything in life changes. You must go with the flow or get left behind.

    I suddenly knew that I would be all right. I am going to be myself and do what I would have done anyway. I take pleasure in the sights and sounds of the Season. I love the religious ceremonies, the children’s choir, the candles, and the Christmas Story.  These are things I love and have always loved. I will enjoy them no matter who celebrates with me!

    Take time to think about what you love and enjoy about the season. Try to bring back those old feelings of happiness. Do something for someone you know who is in need. If you are not up to extensive decorating, set aside a small area in your home for a Christmas reminder. Plan to attend a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service. Have a small intimate dinner with someone you love. Check out the local Holiday entertainment and make it a point to attend a festival or concert during the season.

If you have no money find a way to offer gifts of time, food, or something you can make yourself. Do not allow your circumstances to keep you from the joy of giving at this season. But above all remember the reason for the season. We are celebrating the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Lord! Rejoice!