Although the holidays are supposed to be a joyous time, some people actually
have the holiday blues.

The holiday shopping seems to start earlier each year. Some people however may
shop much earlier in the year instead of waiting for the holiday rush.

Holidays create extra stress, adding to holiday blues ( especially with times being
so tight).

Sometimes people feel sad due to the loss of a family member. Sometimes
people feel guilty for enjoying themselves for merely being alive. I am sure
those who have gone on would not want you to feel sad. Remembering good
times instead of dwelling on the loss may help.

There are also, so many expectations we put on ourselves at these times. This may
serve to make us feel overwhelmed. Do not feel you cannot say no to certain things
which may not be practical or possible.

Sometimes during these holidays the meaning of these holidays get lost in the
buying and wrapping and gift giving.

Some ways of combating the holiday blues are:

Some ways of combating the holiday blues are:

Remembering the reason for these holidays.

Do not feel obligated to go to every holiday party, give yourselves some
breathing room.

Create new family traditions, let your children be involved in this process.

Take a few minutes for yourself each day to relax. This is important during the
rest of the year, but the extra stress of the holidays may require you to take
extra time for yourself.

I know this step may be awkward, so many of us put ourselves last during the
holidays.

Be around children. Children usually like the holidays and light up, themselves,
like a Christmas tree.