Suggestions for Battling the Holiday Blues

Depression, Grief, Loneliness, Self-pity and Heartache can spoil Christmas unless you make a conscious effort to have a joyful attitude. Glen Wheeler’s book, "Widowers Hurt Too", provides some suggestions for handling the “Holiday Blues.” 1) Have a talk with yourself and decide to enjoy Christmas Week. It's a mind set! 2) Find ways to serve others. 3) Remember that you are important to someone - your family, children, grandchildren, friends, church. 4) Record memories of past Christmas'. Include stories about how you and your spouse met, your wedding, employment, places where you lived and visited. Use technology or write it out longhand and have someone transcribe them to a disk. 5) Take a walk or sit in the mall. Observe what you see. Be grateful for what you have. 6) Find ways to laugh. 7) Take time to pray often. Short prayers of gratitude will produce joy. 8) Buy yourself one gift. Select an item your loved one would have bought for you as a Christmas gift. 9) Attend Christmas worship services. You will receive Strength, Comfort and Joy. And mostly, remember HE is the REASON for the SEASON! HE is the most Incredible Gift given to each of us ever! Happy Birthday, My Precious Savior... Happy Birthday!