The holidays are not always “Merry & Bright” for everyone. Going through losses such as losing a family member, divorce or loss of employment can create a depression that darkens the holiday season. I brainstormed a fun list of what to do when you feel sad during the holidays. I’m hoping it will help me this year.
I’m writing from personal experience. My family lost a very special person on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (almost) two years ago.
The days that followed were filled with so much hurt and sadness that I, the Christmas lover that I am, could not get into the Christmas spirit.
I didn’t want to put up a Christmas tree.
I didn’t want to decorate.
I didn’t want to listen to Christmas music. And I usually start listening to Christmas music on the day after Thanksgiving and I’m addicted right up until Christmas day!
My friends and family would say to do things for the kids, put things up and make Christmas happy for them. Even that was hard. I absolutely love my kids but the depression that had set in was heavy. I had to push myself.
I put up a mini tree.
I baked.
I tried. I think that’s the most important part. I didn’t let the sadness sink in and drown me.
We spent a lot of time at my parent’s house instead of the teeny-tiny apartment we were living in. Filling my time with family and distractions helped a bit.
I think it’s important to recognize that it’s okay to feel sad.
Most of us will go through some kind of depression at some point in our lives. It’s how we guide ourselves out of the depression that matters. If you met me in person you’d notice I’m a “take-charge” kind of person. When I encounter a problem I immediately brainstorm ways to fix it.
That’s how I came up with this list of things to do when you are sad. And today’s post about being sad during the holiday season. I don’t want the sadness to take over during this year. I want to celebrate the lives of my deceased family members and honor their memories with my children!
15 Things To Do When You Feel Sad During The Holidays
- Buy Christmas cards and stamps, handwrite a special note in each one and mail out!
- Listen to Christmas music.
- Do a special craft with your kids, display your crafts to remember the fun it was making them.
- Make a hilarious Jib Jab of your family.
- Bake cookies (or buy them) and take them to a friends house.
- Make a huge mug of hot chocolate and watch It’s A Wonderful Life.
- Take a walk on a nature trail.
- Host a cookie making party.
- Pack the kids in the van, crank up the Christmas music, drive around and enjoy holiday lights and displays.
- Buy gifts for a shelter or for your favorite charity drive.
- Grab a glass of wine and read a holiday themed book.
- Have a living-room-family-dance off to Christmas music of course!
- Read holiday books to your kids each night before bed.
- Decorate something, even if it’s just a mini tree!
- Last but not least, take time for yourself. Cry if you need to. Journal. Scream. Give yourself permission to grieve and then help yourself out of the fog!
Each Tuesday I (try to) add one new post into my A Year of Positivity series. This series is designed to help me focus on happiness, love and positive thinking, and I’d love to share it with you. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss a post!
If you think of more activities let me know in the comments!
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Each week I'll send you the latest Resource Page. In it, you'll find
- Handy tips for focusing on positivity throughout your week.
- Tricks for getting your kids to listen to your every word (just kidding,Girl-- I'm still working on getting my kids to listen!) But I will send you fun activity ideas for you and your kids to do together.
- Useful tools that I come across, like meal planning ideas and such!
Nice ideas and motivations that everyone can follow through.
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