Shortly after the back to school signs were put away and the remaining school uniforms were tucked on clearance racks, I spotted it – a display of green and red plaid, gold trimmed ribbon rolls. In addition, the store’s toy aisle had grown from one row to four. In the next two weeks, those four rows of toys would become six, flanked by musical instruments and very large stuffed animals.
It was around Sept. 1 and although bags of Halloween candy and costumes had their proper due in another part of the store, the Christmas season had already sprouted. Buy early and buy often. You’re already behind if you haven’t started shopping.
‘Tis the season for stress, if you ask me.
The end of the year is an ideal setting for the growth of frustration, stress and even depression. It’s easy to get caught up in the media’s idea of Christmas – I still do almost every year. It’s an ideal that most of us can never reach and a set-up for feeling like a failure. We are faced with impossible hurdles: expectations of families and friends; the push to buy more and more gifts; serving perfect meals and multiple desserts; long hours spent in traffic and checkout lines; time at events that often leave us feeling cheerless; and colds and flu viruses running rampant.
The temptation to eat and drink too much is ever present – and why not? Everyone on TV does, and somehow they keep perfect smiles and trim figures.
Studies show that the holiday season doesn’t necessarily create depression, but can intensify an already present state of mood. If things are bad, there’s the risk that stress and low mood can worsen, intensified by loss of sleep and drinking too much.
If you’re prone to feeling down or the holidays don’t bring you cheer, you can ward off the holiday blues by following some simple guidelines:
n Set expectations for yourself and others: You know your limits, whether they are physical – the amount of sleep you need, dietary – how much you can eat and drink without adverse consequence, or financial – how much you can or should spend. Maintain your sleep and eating patterns as much as possible. Set budget limits with your family and watch what you spend because the credit cards come due in January, long after the wrapping paper is gone.
n If you are alone, don’t be: If you find yourself miles away from loved ones, or estranged from those you really would like to be with, take the holiday time to give back to others. While you may be in need, there are others who also could benefit from your time and talents. You can seek out community or church groups, find a place to volunteer, or take care of an animal in need. If your budget doesn’t allow for a special holiday meal, join one of the many community settings around Indianapolis.
n Exercise and find some alone time: Exercise relieves stress and having alone time can help to restore your mood. Be prepared for the weather and step outside. If outdoors isn’t an option, turn on the music and dance in the living room – a little “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” can be a good thing.
n If Christmas isn’t your thing: If your own faith beliefs aren’t aligned with Christmas or you don’t practice a religion, you can still give as good will is not linked to any faith – it’s a universal concept. Contribute, share a meal, lend a hand, and establish connections with the humanity in others – this is what the holidays should be about. Don’t focus on the 25th of December; rather think about the year ahead. If 2011 was a bad year, as it was for many, take the time to reflect on the good and how you can work for change in 2012. Find your causes, follow your passions, and pay it forward.
n When I was little, my family would go to my grandparents’ apartment for Christmas day. My dad would talk of his childhood late in the Depression years. Some years there was nothing for him and his siblings, but a meal made a little nicer because of an extra side dish, or extra helpings of roasted chicken. It’s taken me a lot of years to understand. I’m still not there yet, but I am beginning to see the true light of the holiday season. God bless us, each and every one.
