Think everyone's feeling jolly this holiday season? Think again. Actually, the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's tends to be stressful for many. Some have experienced disappointments, real losses and other life crises over the year. Factor in lack of time and sleep, and the tendency to overspend, overeat, and over-imbibe, and you have a recipe for the blues.
Even Hallmark, the venerable greeting card company, has conceded to reality. An article this week in the New York Times reports that holiday cards this year will feature "less ebullient messages."
One way to make things better: Be a friend to someone else.
Three years ago around this time of year, I blogged about the economic downturn that resulted in a looming sense of financial uncertainty. Unfortunately, things haven't bounced back and some would say they've gotten worse. Many have lost jobs and many more are unable to find them. A recent report estimates that one-quarter of post-recession jobs are only temporary. And did you read about the pharmaceutical company that fired 1700 people right before the holiday season via an expedient conference call? It seems like a scene straight out of Up in The Air.
The new healthcare reform legislation will help some, but cutbacks (in both health and social welfare services) at every level of government have left huge holes in the so-called safety net. The sentiment of the new Congress is ominous, too, as calls for reducing the deficit grow louder. We've also witnessed a string of unimaginable manmade and natural disasters around the world bringing about death and destruction, and a feeling of collective helplessness.
In prior years, I've mentioned special Blue Christmas services organized by many houses of worship to provide comfort to people who are grieving, coping with chronic illness, or feeling down or lonely around the holidays. Many readers emailed me at the time and asked where they were being held in their own communities. But such services are scattered and they're only held once a year.
Even if you're feeling down or lonely, one thing you can do is to reach out to others who may be far worse off than you---whether they are friends, relatives, colleagues, neighbors or people in your community. If you know someone who may be blue over the holidays, offer them the gift of your time and caring. A simple "Hi, I'm thinking of you" phone call or invitation to share a cup of coffee over the next few weeks can remind them they aren't alone, and help them get over the holiday hump. It will make you feel better too.
My warmest wishes for peace, good health, and friendship to all~
Irene
