Here we go again...I'm curious to know if there are any others out there who suffer with the Holiday Blues and how you cope through this season. Years ago I was treated for depression and my wonderful counselor gave me some good tools to use in my own battle with this annual beast. I was surprised to get my invitation to dance with the devil again this week but I was armed and ready. I know I'm not the only one and the more I talk to people the more I recognize that we are legion. Many, Many of us struggle. If you are one of us I'd appreciate your input about how you make it through this season and how you help your friends make it through too.

Nan Fitz, I used to get the holiday blues but no more. I donot bake eight different kinds of cookies. I buy them. My kids are grown so after they go to bed I put their unwrapped gifts under the tree. There are so many other ways to cut down on the stress. I found that cutting out the excessive rich holiday foods also really improved my mood. Think about it. You're eating all this wonderful, rich stuff that you normally don't eat then after the holidays are over you stop eating it. I have read too that this is true. At least it is for me.

We started cutting back on all the presents last year. Now, we draw names and set a limit on the amount spent.

If, at all possible I order a Christmas ham or turkey from Heavenly Ham, and leave the cooking to them.

Use to try and make several different kinds of cookies...now I stick to 7 layer, the kids favorite.
If, I need more they are store bought.

Try and get my shopping done early in Nov., I'm not much on crowds

When I get over taxed and really don't want to do something...I just say NO.

So, what are your tools, Nan Fitz ???

I try being less busy and staying closer to home, I let the people come to me. I now enjoy a quiet holiday at home just looking at the lights on the small 4ft. fake tree I put up, no more pine needles for me and on and on. I guess the word RELAX kind of says it all...The holidays don't have to mean 'stress.'

Oops sorry nearly forgot, welcome Nan Fitz so glad to meet you...

[ November 16, 2005, 10:19 PM: Message edited by: chatty lady ]

Nan Fitz:
First.....Welcome!
I start my depression when the clock falls back, and the days get shorter.
I bought a "Mood Light" at Costco last year, and boy does it work!!!!
I now use it all the time, not only during the dark days.
I've also had a lot of the seasonal stuff taken off back shoulders by my great daughters. The yougest does Thanksgiving, and the oldest does Christmas. It's so much easier on them with the grandsons to have the Holidays at their homes. Plus I was told I did my time, and now it's their time. Can't help but love those two wonderful daughters!
Lynne

Sounds like we all use some of the same strategies. My counselor taught me to recognize the beast (depression) before it really had a chance to take over my life. Then he taught me to take care of myself with diet, exercise and plenty of sleep. I had to work through giving up the role of "Super Mom of Christmas" like you all have done, by sorting out the stressors from the joys and making the holiday season my own. I come from an alcoholic family so the ghosts of Christmas past would haunt me every year until I learned how to put those beasties to bed. I still struggle with some siblings and their expectations but overall I'm about 98% better than I used to be, PTL! I appreciate your input, ladies, because I still have many friends and family members who bottom out at this time of year. I try to apply everything I've learned to help these buddies get through this crazy season. Thank you all!

I was a victim of the "super mom at Christmas" syndrome for a lot of years. Then a few years ago, I realized I was not enjoying it anymore, so I cut way back. To be honest, I don't think anyone really noticed or cared.

Holiday time is much simpler and less stressful now.

NHJackie, I felt I wasn't enjoying it anymore too. It's still nice but not the extreme picture perfect thing anymore. No one here has cared or noticed either...long as they don't have to do it! LOL!!!

I love it! Isn't it funny the way that works? Here's a quote for you, "Christmas Oxymoron: What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?" Thanks for the smiles!