Surviving Christmas Depression and Holiday Blues

5 Ways to Cope with the Holiday Blues

Dec 14, 2007
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

Surviving Christmas Depression and Holiday Blues - stock xchange fishmonk

Christmas depression hits millions of people every year. Here are five ways to cope with the holiday blues, and make Christmas meaningful.

Dealing with the rush of holiday parties, gift buying, and materialism can lead to severe Christmas depression, or just a touch of the holiday blues.

These survival tips will help you cope with feelings of sadness and anxiety over the Christmas season.

Don’t Swallow the Commercial or Hollywood Hype

Christmas isn’t about gorgeous decorations, unbelievably happy families, and expensive gifts. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be perfect or feel ecstatically happy. The stores, commercials, malls, Martha Stewart shows and radio advertisements turn Christmas into a merchandising cash cow – they also make Christmas about being flawless and full of glitter. Don’t fall into that pit of despair, which will send you headlong into an even deeper Christmas depression.

Stay Active Over the Holiday Season

Getting enough exercise, oxygen, and fresh air may help lift the holiday blues. If you don’t have the energy or time to go skating, tobogganing or snowshoeing, simply go for a walk in river valley or around the block. Take your kids, nieces, or nephews to the park. Surviving Christmas depression is easier when you're active and breathing deeply.

Start New Christmas Traditions

If you’ve lost someone you love and this is the first Christmas without them, let yourself grieve naturally. Christmas depression or holiday blues is a normal way to feel – as long as it doesn’t last for months afterward. Starting new traditions is a good way to lift your spirits and focus your energy outside yourself.

Be Aware of Your Family’s Dynamics

Ironically, your family and friends may be the source of your holiday blues (though according to movies and television, they should really be helping you make Christmas meaningful!). You may not be able to change your family’s dynamics, but at least be aware of how your family and friends affect you. Are you particularly sad after shopping with your mother? Do you dread the family Christmas dinner? To survive Christmas depression, find ways to shorten or eliminate the experiences that make you feel bad.

Get Professional Help With Severe Christmas Depression

If you’re really struggling emotionally, and you know it’s more than a mild case of the holiday blues, then get help. Similarly, if a family member or friend seems to be struggling with a serious case of Christmas depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. Consider calling for outside help. Many volunteers work over Christmas at hotlines or help centers -- don't wait until it's too late!

One of the best ways to cope with the holiday blues is to take action! For instance, I dislike shopping for holiday gifts. I procrastinate until the last minute, which makes me anxious, stressed, and frustrated. If you're in the same boat, you might find Holiday Gift Ideas - Video Games, SmartPhones, and Toothbrushes helpful.

Comments

Dec 20, 2010 11:07 AM

Guest :

I have pretty good family relations but I do find Christmas depressing even with 3 excited children. I pop into town just to do a bit of "normal" shopping and I can't budge because the shops are heaving with people Christmas shopping. All the over-spending makes me feel so sad when there are people in the world who have absolutely nothing. Such a waste.

Dec 4, 2011 1:34 PM

Guest :

its OK but not realistic...sure its fine to say...dont be too comercial...but when you have kids and grandkids....and they have friends who get great gifts Game systems....Mall clothes....expensive Bikes...snow boards.....cash cards ect. well here is my family feeling like the adopt a family...NO we arent poor...we have all the essentials....and you will say...remember the reason for the season....oh yes we do...but you have to consider the youngsters....they have a multi Christmas...they love Church...caroling....the helping with the underprivilfged...BUT they are still kids.....and when they get a few well meaning gifts...for $10-15 and under from Walmart/.....and mostly needed clothes..we are not going to be the most popular in the Holiday happy circle.....and no way I put this thru my mind...does it work out to a happy ending...... I love your great ideas for Christmas cheer...but that dosent put Joy under the tree...<3

Dec 6, 2011 12:08 PM

Guest :

I found this article comforting to how I am feeling now. My family has been constantly changing for the worse for the past few years and Christmas only highlights those changes, making me feel even more terrible about the way things are. Thank you for this article

Dec 17, 2011 5:50 PM

Guest :

True! since the end of May 2011 have turned age 54, had a five week hospital stay with celutlitus, during which my mother died and my brother reluctantly came from Texas to
look after arrangements as I was in isolation at the hospital. Lost three very good friends from
the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend onward in three weeks, then lost my one remaining aunt the first week of November, Mum's 95th birthday would have been November 11. Then one other friend died three days ago. My living relatives are all in British Columbia, my brother will not return to a third world socialist country as he calls it ever again. Not a good time!

Dec 23, 2011 8:28 PM

Guest :

My mom seems to be extremely sad around the holiday season. A year ago, her husband took all of her money, left her in debt, and fled the country; her daughter is isolating herself from the entire family; and I am not enough to make my mother happy. I can't help but feel worthless during this time because no matter how much I decorate for the holidays or try to help around the house or with errands, she is extremely unhappy. My mother is also constantly comparing herself to my "rich" friend whose family can afford just about anything... so you can imagine how that is making me feel... I don't even want to see my friend or their family because all I think about is how they "have everything" while my mom and I have nothing.

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