How To Deal With Those Christmas Blues - Pre and Post

Many people love the Christmas season, but there are others who dread it. I am not in general a religious person, but I love, and have always loved Christmas. I guess I just enjoy the whole hustle and bustle, the anticipation of a chance to celebrate, the giving of gifts, the special foods, the music, both religious and non, and the fact that the holiday season seems to generate a bit more cheer, a few more smiles, increased generosity, and an extra bit of kindness.

I think some people who dread the holiday season may feel they have nothing to celebrate, They may have lost a loved one, and cannot imagine a holiday without them. They may have children, but cannot afford any gifts. They may dread the drunken wrath of a spouse or other relative. They may be alone, and the activity around them emphasizes their aloneness. They may be from another culture or another religion and feel there is no place for them in this festive society. They may just hate the garish decorations, the commercialism, the incipient greed, the increased opportunities for criminals, or just the whole shebang. There are many reasons for these Christmas feelings, but there is one way to banish the accompanying blues.

The way to banish the blues is to volunteer, reach out and do something to help someone else. Volunteering is my answer to the blues. First, it takes you mind off your own misery, and the less you think of it, the more quickly it will fade. Second, you are doing something for your fellow man, and that is your duty, a payment for all that is, and has been, good in your life. Third, you are making someone else's life better. Fourth, it will expand your horizons, and show you another side of life. Fifth, it will help you meet new people and perhaps, make new friends, both like and unlike you.

Volunteering is something people do to help others, and often the giver is helped in return.

There are literally hundreds of volunteer opportunities available to fit your skills and interests. If you are mobile, you are fit enough to volunteer.

--Consider volunteering at a food bank, homeless shelter, or 'soup kitchen".

--If you like children, volunteer in a school, especially in a class for special needs students.

--If you like animals, volunteer at an animal shelter. They are always in need, but especially during holidays.

--If you are interested in literacy, volunteer to teach an adult to read. The lack of literacy in this country is inexcusable.

--If you are alone at Christmas, consider spending it in a senior center. Volunteer there often. You will never feel alone again.

--Consider reading for the visually handicapped.

--Consider helping the elderly or physically disadvantaged in your area, with home projects, mowing lawns, or shoveling snow.

--If you don't know where to volunteer, call a volunteer center, or ask at any church, hospital, school, senior center, A.S.P.C.A.,or community center.

--Share your home and Christmas day, and meal with someone who is homeless, or alone.

I do not presume to tell anyone how they should feel, act, or believe. I do however firmly believe, that if we lend a helping hand, we are moving one small step closer to where society should be.