What are the Christmas Blues?

While Christmas for many people means happiness and togetherness, it can also be a difficult time for others. The Christmas blues could start weeks before the holiday and for some it can continue after the celebrations are over. It is a mixture of feelings that may include sadness, depression, loneliness, a loss of self worth, and anger.

You may experience the Christmas blues if you recently lost someone close to you, if you’ve moved to an unfamiliar area or if you’ve been through another type of drastic change. They can also be brought on by everyday stresses that have accumulated, such as financial difficulties, a loved one that is sick, relationship problems or any other multitude of problems. You may feel as though you are the only person going through this, but you are not alone. Many people experience the Christmas blues every year.

The best way to start to push your way through these feelings is to talk to someone. Whether it is a friend, family member, therapist or a spiritual adviser, you can express to them what you are going through without holding everything inside. Letting your feelings out may help you to start moving forward.

Another way that you could attempt to beat the Christmas blues is to volunteer. You could look for opportunities at a hospital, a homeless shelter, library or any other place near you that needs volunteers. The experience could not only make you feel happier, but you may even bring joy to the lives of others as well.

There’s something to be said about rest and relaxation in a new location. While it may seem counterproductive to go away alone, you may end up meeting some people and making some new friends. You may also have time to try some new, fun activities and could possibly come back with a new outlook on life.

The holiday season can be incredibly expensive if you’re not cautious. If you have the Christmas blues and believe that it may stem from your financial problems, you should be honest with yourself and others about your situation. While you may want to give your loved ones every present on their list, you may not be able to and it’s okay. Instead, you could give them an inexpensive but special present. A gift given from the heart has the potential to be incredibly meaningful.

While the Christmas blues can be agonizing, it is possible that you can get through it and enjoy the Christmas season. Concentrating on the unpleasant won’t mend what’s going on in your life. You should focus on all of the good that you’re surrounded by and keep fixated on that.