The Holidays can be like a double-edged sword.  So many wonderful activities and feelings of goodwill, but sometimes tinged with sadness of loved ones who are now gone; kids that have grown up and moved away, or being on your own for the holiday.  Let’s counteract the blues before they start!

Top Four Reasons:

Fatigue:  If you’re running around at breakneck speed, you’re going to be too pooped to pop before the holiday gets here!  Pace yourself on the activities to keep your sanity and to keep the blues away.

Financial Limitations:  Many people get depressed if they can’t buy all of the things that they’d like.  I will say this until I’m blue in the face; “It’s just stuff!”  No one who cares about you expects you to break the bank.  It would be hard to enjoy a gift, knowing the hardship that  it caused.  Once again, set a realistic budget and stick to it!  That means setting boundaries and limits with people on your list, if necessary.

Family Tension:  This is a big one!  Here’s the rule.  Christmas is ONE DAY of the year.  You can do anything for one day.  Don’t drudge up the past, stay not only in the present, but in the MOMENT.  If you have drama with a family member, it’s yours.  Keep it to yourself.   Escape for brief periods if you need to.  You can get through it.  Really!

Unrealistic Expectations:  When we are little, Christmas is absolutely magical!  That’s gets harder to re-create as we get older.  If you’re holding on to memories that cannot be duplicated, you’re setting yourself up to be disappointed.  Letting go of the past allows you to be open to new possibilities and create new traditions!

Set realistic goals…..Pace yourself…..Get enough rest!

If you get anxious at the holidays, make sure to spend some time alone to recharge and regroup.  Don’t drink too much if you find yourself being melancholy, and be kind to yourself!

If you’re divorced, make sure to make new and separate traditions with your kids.  Compromise with your ex if you can to make the transition easier.

The best way to counteract the blues?

DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE ELSE!

Happy Holidays!