I can't get in the holiday spirit!

[katinmn]

I think it's the emotional rollercoaster.

Last night I looked at some photos of dead Iraqis on one thread and started crying again. I spent at least an hour looking for an anti-war protest or a peace vigil here on Christmas eve or Christmas Day but couldn't find anything.

And then I saw the Will Pitt thread saying Kerry was to jump in with both feet today, and I was temporarily bouyed, and then I went to bed.

Woke up, been trying to work, and have been waiting for news ever since.

I am NOT in the holiday spirit and I wonder how it is people can just go along -- shopping, planning meals, traveling, partying -- like everything is normal. I decorated with lights and a plastic tree, bought a couple gifts because I have a 13 y.o. and she loves holidays.

My own little private faith is disintegrating as the fundies turn Jesus into a commodity and a political tool.

Anyone have any advice for me?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Light a candle

and know, as you light it, there are others out there in unity with you, who want peace to come to the world, justice to come to our nation, and wisdom to come to those who misinterpret the teachings of Jesus and others.

Don't know if you meditate, but if you don't, just find a place to sit quietly. Breathe evenly, in and out. Some sort of soothing music can help as well. If you're interested, check out Universel-A Course in Meditation. The music and pictures there may be of comfort.

http://www.universel.net

[katinmn]

5. thank you. I will do that.

[HEAVYHEART]

2. I hear ya

You're not alone katinmn. I'm sure there are thousands here on DU who feel the same way. I've been glued to DU since after the election. I usually hang out at the 2004 Elections forum and other political forums here. But I found that participating or just reading the Lounge helps my mood, picks me up, makes me smile etc.. even if only temporary. We will get through this together. :hug:

[katinmn]

6. thanks!

:hug:

hugs to you, HeavyHeart.

[MuseRider]

3. No advice just company.

I have been forcing my way through this, it has been like that the last 3 Christmas seasons. I have not decorated but I have bought things (as Blue as I could) and started the dinner preps but my heart is not in it at all. Maybe next year? I hate this.

[katinmn]

7. I hate it, too.

Everything is so clear to many of us: the lies, corruption, evil acts against humanity.

Why can't others see it?

[eleonora]

4. Sit and reflect

You are not alone. Let's be hopeful.

[katinmn]

12. Thank you , eleonora

:grouphug:

That's all we can do.

When I can, I'm going to go back to writing LTTE and emailing and calling legislators, and everyone I know.

[Kellis]

8. I know how you feel.

I just haven't been in the Spirit at all this year.Im going thru the motions-But my heart isn't in it.

[Pacifist Patriot]

9. What I've done...

I've had a constant stream of Christmas music coming from my stereo, alternated the scent of evergreen and pumpkin spice scented oil in my pewter oil heater, and sat down with an eggnog latte at least once or three times a day.

I think not having any CNN/NPR/AAR chatter in the background has done wonders for my holiday mood.

[katinmn]

13. Christmas music makes me more depressed for some reason

I think it reminds me of happier times when we didn't have all this blood on our hands.

Thank you for the thought though.


:cry:

[Pacifist Patriot]

15. Counting Crows? Three Doors Down? Creed?

The type of music doesn't matter. It's the idea of hiding in my cave and drowning out the noise of the outside world for a few weeks.

[katinmn]

16. Got it. I think I'm going to download some music

That's always good for a few hours because I have eclectic taste. :)

[Catchawave]

10. Only that you're not alone in those feelings.....

...which I share.

I just want to scream "DAMMIT, WE'RE AT WAR...why are we so insensitive to the feelings of the troops' families with all this fa=la=la crap!!??!!" I hate this time of year and all the marketing manipulation to get us to BUY STUFF.

[Az]

11. This time of the year is for coming together

With loved ones. Those in need. Those who are alone. When things are the worst our better natures are revealed. We come together to help one another. The cynic in people may not believe it but people are basically good. Just remember this. When a disaster hits most people rush into it to make sure others are ok.

There is no sense in dwelling in loss and misery. You either take a path and move on it or you stagnate. And if you are going to take a path it is best taken with a positive attitude. Things may well look bleak. But that is why you are doing something about it. Because you believe and hope you can.

To this end keep those you love close at this time of the year. Help those who need it. Seek out those that are alone. Bring them comfort. And this shall bring you comfort.

[katinmn]

14. ok I'm trying n/t

[NJCher]

17. the moral thing to do

I think the moral or right thing to do at this time is to put as much effort as we can into anti-war or defeating bush (election fraud) activities. I did a few Christmas things but really, there's no tree here and I did not even send out cards this year.

I hate to be a downer but I think after the new year a letter will go out to all the people who sent me cards. I will tell them that I appreciate their greeting but at this time I couldn't get the spirit enough to send a holiday greeting back. I could, however, send them some information on why I feel this way and urge them to join me in the fight to stop this evil that is in control of the U.S. government.


Cher

p.s. I understand crying, katinmn. I cry about once a day when I see/hear of the deaths and atrocities in Iraq.

[katinmn]

18. thanks, NJCher. It helps to know others are as miserable

as I am. I don't WISH that, but it helps all the same.

I agree on both counts: work on redefeating the shrub and supporting anti-war efforts are the highest priorities.

I would be a lot more physicially involved if it weren't for a very practical reason: it's currently 0 degrees here (lower with the wind chill). I love Minnesota but sometimes I wonder why the heck I live here.

Been thinking about doing a "holiday" letter to all my relatives and friends. Included in the news updates will be action items. Just been too down during the last days to do more than I have to do for work and such.

People in my circle are a little surprised that I'm becoming an activist since I am a very grounded and calm individual with a thick skin. Most people associate activism with radicals that you can't reason with.

edit: grammer

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

19. You're not alone. I feel the same way you do.

No Christmas tree, didn't even bother sending Christmas cards this year. Did some food prep today for Christmas dinner, but it was a real chore. I got no enjoyment out of it all. Frankly, I can't wait until this entire "holiday" season is over.

[katinmn]

20. Me either. I want to keep the momentum going

to turn the election around, stop the war.

just posted this:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=160x5759