What causes holiday blues?

Many things contribute to it. We are busy, rushing around, often trying to live up to many people's expectations of us. We are trying to please those we love and we are often going into debt to do it. Because of the business of the season we don't rest, often eat badly with lots of sugary sweets and processed flours, and, most of all, in my opinion, we spend an awful lot of time with our memories.

Each tradition opens a memory in our minds, whether a good one or a bad one. My parents have both passed away and Christmas is a time of joy as well as tears for me as I reflect on past Christmases and miss them very much. Sometimes it is triggered by an ornament, a recipe, or a song.

We also deal with our own expectation of the holidays. Our disappointments, and things we cannot change. Because it is the end of the year we are more aware of the passing of time... and for some of us that is starting to be a little unnerving!

There are the holiday movies and t.v. specials that show us how Christmas should be a "magical" time. They are fantasies that can never be achieved and yet so many of us try to achieve them rather than accepting and loving what we do have.

It is a time when families get together and if you are unable to be with your family it can be overwhelming watching all of the families interacting in public. My oldest son is in the military and won't be home this Christmas, and probably not next. He is having trouble emotionally with it and so are we!

So, physically and emotionally the holidays are a minefield.

SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, is sometimes one of the culprits of the holiday blues.

During the fall and winter people are outside less, and the days are shorter, the light dimmer. Often we begin to notice that we are more tired, more lethargic than normal. We gain weight more easily and have trouble getting out of bed. Sometimes we are more sad than we think we should be.

These are all symptoms of SAD. Some people are more affected by it than others and in a percentage of the population it can be severe enough to require medication and intervention.

But how do you get past those things?

SAD is pretty simple actually.

1. You need more light. There are special light-bulbs that are full spectrum that emulate the light rays of the sun. By buying these and using them in your lamps, and keeping your house well lit you may find that you have a better outlook on life.

2.Take a walk outside. Bundle up if you live in a harsh climate and make time to walk for a half hour. Besides being good for you the real sunlight will help you feel better.

3. Try some of the suggestions following for beating the blues.

4. If symptoms persist make time to see your doctor and discuss the issue with him/her. There are medications, and strong lights that can be prescribed.

But what if it is just the holidays getting you down? How can you get past that feeling? Try some of the following suggestions. Remember, only you know exactly how you feel. If you feel you are depressed or moving into a clinical depression then please, see your doctor! Any suicidal thoughts should be taken very seriously and discussed with a medical professional.

1. Manage your time. Seriously, you do not have to get it all done. It is not about the perfect gift, the most awesome holiday meal, or the most beautiful home. Slow down, schedule down time every day. Even a half hour of relaxing and sipping a cup of coffee or tea, or doing something you enjoy can help you feel more in control.

2. Don't go into debt. Debt is a trap. It is unnecessary to buy what you can't afford. Things do not equal love and care.

3. Don't try to please everyone. You can't. Learn to set reasonable boundaries. If going to your office party is stressful just don;t go. If you have to, if it is required, then make a cameo appearance and follow it up with something you love doing.

4. Be Pollyanna. The Bible says that the power of life and death is in the tongue. Whether you believe that our not your words and thoughts do tend to control your emotions. Look for the bright side in everything. There is always something to be thankful for if only you will look.

5. Get outside of yourself. There are people everywhere in need. Cocaine addicted infants in Children's hospitals need to be held and rocked, Veterans at the VA hospital might need something as simple as a game of checkers or a listening ear. Homeless people need someone to serve them meals...Everywhere you look there are opportunities to bless someone. When you give it changes your perspective.

6. Focus on the spiritual side of the season. Really, Christmas is not about credit cards, and ninetendo systems. Most cultures have a spiritual aspect to this time of year. Focus on the Spirit of the season rather than the commercial aspects.

7. Admit that you are struggling. Keep a journal, a blog, or talk to someone and be honest about how you feel. Talking things out often helps.

8. Cut down on sugar. Really, the refined sugar will increase the feelings of depression. Eat protein and whole grains as much as you can and nibble on the yummy treats of the season.

9. Get exercise everyday, preferably outside. Fresh air and sunshine on a brisk walk can totally renew your joy.

10. If you are Christian and have been away from church get back in there! For many of us church is a support system that we need.

You are not going to have the perfect Walton Family Christmas. Accept what you do have, learn to be grateful for it and focus on the positives. Change what you can, accept what you can't and move on.

You are too special a person to let this hold you back from your goals, and your destiny. Life is too amazing to allow ourselves to wallow in the slough of despond too long. Seek help if you need it and fill Christmas at your home with laughter and love.

Finally, laughter is healing. Go watch a funny movie. A Christmas Story is a holiday tradition here and it cracks me up every year. By accepting the hard things in your life as challenges to be overcome rather than crushing boulders, you can move ahead. There is nothing that could be given to you right now that would make you happy if you are not choosing to be happy. It is about where we focus our energy and our thoughts. When we focus on what we don't have, what we can't do and what we feel we have missed out on we lose the very blessings that surround us in the fog of negative thoughts.

Sit down and make a list of all the things you can't change. Burn it and forget it. Make a list of all the things that are wonderful about your life, starting with the fact that you are breathing. Look it over several times a day and remind yourself that you are a very important part of life. Have you ever seen It's A Wonderful LIfe? If not, it is time you did, and if so maybe it is time to watch it again.