NINE SEASONAL SURVIVAL TIPS

There are many fortunate people who enjoy the celebrations, relishing the break from work, savoring the culinary treats, treasuring happy memories or making new ones, and relaxing in the company of family and friends. But it’s not like that for everyone. Christmas can be one of the most difficult times of the year for those suffering from depression. In fact, it’s well documented that the seasonal break is followed by a spike in attempted suicides and enquiries about divorce.
Of course, Christmas itself isn’t the culprit, but the season’s expectations take a toll. Those who live alone or have recently lost a loved one may feel their isolation more acutely. Others may buckle under the financial stress and extra expense. Many well-meaning parents find themselves worn out from gift-buying, baking, and cleaning.
For the sake of all those who struggle, here are nine seasonal survival tips.

1. Schedule your time: Make a plan for December before it speeds up out of control. Schedule days for shopping, decorating, baking, and celebrating—and leave some time for the unexpected.

2. Budget your finances: Decide how much you can afford to spend and stick within your limits. Be creative with gifts.

3. Celebrate within limits: Watch your diet and alcohol intake. You don’t have to accept every invitation or eat all of the chocolates in the box.

4. Press pause: A little argument can spoil an otherwise happy gathering. Take a deep breath. This too will pass.

5. Reach out: If you might be alone at Christmas, look for company by volunteering or inviting a neighbor or organizing a potluck at church or a community center.

6. Allow yourself to “be”: It might not be your “season to be jolly.” That’s okay; there’s a time for everything.

7. Try something new: Avoid some of the stress of previous Christmases by doing things differently this year. For instance, eat out instead of cooking a big dinner; play board games instead of watching television; visit a friend instead of sitting at home alone.

8. Be kind to yourself: Christmas is a timefor giving, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give a little time … to yourself.

9. Look up: If there’s any time of year to be reflecting on the goodness of God sending us His Son, Jesus, it’s now. The wise men found Jesus by following the star. We too can find Him if we still ourselves and look up.

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Philippians 4:6 ESV / Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

John 14:27 ESV / Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Psalm 55:22 ESV / Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.