With Halloween just a few days away can Thanksgiving and Christmas be far behind?  The '08 holiday season is upon us and for some it is not a time to be welcomed but instead dreaded.  For many it is a time of stress, worry, sadness and mourning. 

    Acquaintances who know that I'm a counselor often remark that I must be very busy during the holidays, and they're usually surprised when I tell them that I'm not. They've all heard about the holiday blues.The interesting thing about holiday blues is that people usually don't seek help while they're suffering with it in the midst of the season. They tend to wait until around the middle or end of January before seeking help. Unfortunately during the height of the season they often become isolative and avoid social contact.

    The depression associated with holiday blues is usually related to loss and loneliness--the mourning of deceased loved ones, divorce and bittersweet memories of Christmases past. Holidays can bring up loads of sadness; sadness about losses never fully grieved, and the strain of having to appear happy when you are not. I cannot imagine losing a loved one at the holiday season and every year having to re-experience that loss.

    There are also enormous financial and situational stresses associated with the holidays. Parents worry about providing a nice Christmas for their children. Traffic gets heavier and the stores are crowded with shoppers. For those who live in the Northeast and Midwest bad weather can heighten the stress. Also, the incessant barrage of advertising in both the media and stores wears out ones senses. The holiday season becomes a three month marathon of syrupy sentiment and cheesy kitsch.

    But there is help!  Some points to ponder:

    *  Don't Isolate - it will only make it worse - reach out to old friends - getting in touch gives them the opportunity to reciprocate your affection for them - also take a chance and reach out to someone new - remember there's someone out there who needs your friendship. Go to church - seek a Bible study or home group - if needed, seek counseling. Feel free to email me with questions. 

    *  Practice Thankfulness - make a list of blessings and thank the Creator for them daily - start by thanking Him for basic things like the sunshine & a good breakfast - thank Him for past blessings - think of your favorite music and thank Him for that -  thank Him for the family and friends He's given you - thank Him for the beauty of His creation - try to start with at least seven things and try to add one new thing to be thankful for each day - even the most miserable of us has something to thank Him for. 

    *  Remember Those Less Fortunate - pray for them - get involved in a charitable activity - most churches have projects to reach out to those less fortunate & if you are one of those less fortunate dont be afraid to ask for help with providing for your Thanksgiving or Christmas. You are doing a favor for those looking to give.  

    *  Head Off Stress  - Try to think ahead - minimizing stress could be as simple as shopping early to avoid the last minute rush. Try not to have unrealisticaly high expectation - keep it simple. Practice relaxation - close your eyes & take a few minutes to breath slow and deep & think the line from Psalm 46 "Be still and know that I am God" or "I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13)