So this is Christmas (or The Holiday Blues)

[skygazer]

I know I'm not the only one who hates christmas, gets depressed by it, and stressed by it and can't wait for it to be over. It doesn't help that I work retail so I'm bombarded with holiday music for 8 hours a day. :eyes:

I've tried dozens of ways to cope with this and 30 years on, I've found nothing works. I've tried to convince myself that enjoying christmas would be a way of memorializing my dead mother, who loved it. I've tried volunteering at soup kitchens which just makes me cynical because so many people do it for the holidays and forget the poor even exist for the rest of the year. I've tried ignoring it altogether but that's almost impossible when its so in-your-face all around you.

So I just endure. Anyone got any better ideas or shall we just commisserate together? :(

[no name no slogan]

1. Have you looked into S.A.D.?

Is it situational or could it be something more?

I used to loathe winters because I always felt so rotten, no matter what I did. I finally got diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) ten years ago, and started doing bright light therapy.

It has helped out, especially in the mornings. It's a lot easier to wake up after doing the lightbox for 20-30 minutes. Unfortunately I have to watch it because I've heard that excessive lightboxing can trigger manic episodes in people with bipolar.

If it happens every year, and starts in the fall when it starts to get darker out, I'd definitely go get screened for S.A.D.

[skygazer]

4. It's not winter

It's christmas. But thanks. :hi:

[mopinko]

2. i like them better now that i don't see my family.

there are a few of them that i love dearly and miss. but too many of them are assholes, wingnuts, and jerks. i have always been kind of the black sheep, so it has never been fun.
now i just spend it with my hubby and kids, and fuck my witchy sisters. it seemed like that was impossible for a while. something that i could not get away with. but, being jerks, they don't care.
i feel for you with the retail thing. have you ever heard this?
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5066175

[hermetic]

3. Omega-3 and

vitamin D. That being said though, I'm with you. I've got nobody to be with so it's not a time I enjoy at all. And certain christmas songs make me weep uncontrollably. So I'll just curl up with some popcorn and a couple of movies and I will surely be here, as well. I'd be glad to commiserate with you.

So, how is retail sales going there? Notice any decline this year?

Hoping some small goodness comes your way to cheer you through the day.

[ninkasi]

5. This is one year I couldn't enjoy the holidays

My older son and his wife are going through a divorce, her idea. My granddaughter is 14. My step-daughter was abandoned out of the blue by her husband of 23 years, leaving her wounded, and sick at heart. Lots of other bad things going on there. They also have a 14 year old daughter.

I fell in Aug., shattered my right shoulder, and upper arm. I fell again on 10-23, and broke my upper femur and right hip. I still can't walk. Well, I can now walk a little on a walker, but it's painful, and slow.

My husband's friend for 50 years died in April, and we are still helping his widow through the grieving process.

But considering everything, my physical pain, and future limitations, are not nearly as serious as the emotional pain the others are facing. I will never regain full use of my right arm, or right leg, but the mental, and emotional pain are far, far worse. Considering what the future holds for those I love, I'm the lucky one.

Never, ever, minimize mental pain. I lost 3 family members...brother, uncle, and cousin, to suicide, and I know what I'm talking about.

[Larissa238]

6. I'm not a big fan of Christmas, either

I don't hate it, but I have none of the joy that my mother has. She perks up around Thanksgiving, knowing Christmas is coming, and then has a great time listening to the music and everything. I just try and ignore it, but for you that's not an option. I would say don't try and force yourself to like it, it will (99% of the time) won't work and you will just feel worse. Honor your mother's memory by being the best person you can year round, rather than try and force something upon yourself. I'm sure your mom would want you to be less depressed by not trying to shove it down your throat.

As for me, I just have my little tree, and that's good enough. I don't need the music, gifts (I do give, but try not to expect in return) and so. I just need to know that my loved ones are as happy as they can be.

So many people have distorted the holiday anyways, you don't need the Hollywood version of Christmas, you just need to spend time with your family and friends, and if you are religious, then celebrate that aspect as well. But don't try and make yourself into something you are not. Retail is not a fun place for Christmas, just know that it's coming and try and prepare for the feelings that come with it.

*hugs*