All of the sights, sounds, and activities of this season – Christmas carols, presents, Santa in the malls, window displays, bustling shoppers, parties, cookies, good food—all of these are good things. For most folks, the holidays are times of joy and laughter.
For others, these days can heighten feelings of loneliness, sadness, grief over the loss of loved ones or memories of traumatic or disappointing past holidays.
The expectation that everything should be wonderful and glowing, with happy family sitting around the fireplace is simply not the case for everyone. Family get-togethers can be marred by conflict, drug or alcohol abuse and other stressors.
Add to that the lack of sunlight at this time of the year—the longest night of the year will be next Saturday, December 21—and many can feel bleak in these mid-winter days. The season of holiday cheer can become for some a “winter of discontent.”
I think it’s important to acknowledge this reality for many and to be sensitive to it. I think also for those who struggle through these days, a plan is important—remember things like the following:
And most importantly, remember what is most important about these days. As Christians, we are preparing for the coming of Christ, the light that will shine in all of the dark places of this world and our lives. Isaiah 60:1 says “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” This is what we celebrate in these days Christ’s “light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
Christ’s peace to you and yours,
James
For others, these days can heighten feelings of loneliness, sadness, grief over the loss of loved ones or memories of traumatic or disappointing past holidays.
The expectation that everything should be wonderful and glowing, with happy family sitting around the fireplace is simply not the case for everyone. Family get-togethers can be marred by conflict, drug or alcohol abuse and other stressors.
Add to that the lack of sunlight at this time of the year—the longest night of the year will be next Saturday, December 21—and many can feel bleak in these mid-winter days. The season of holiday cheer can become for some a “winter of discontent.”
I think it’s important to acknowledge this reality for many and to be sensitive to it. I think also for those who struggle through these days, a plan is important—remember things like the following:
- Take care of yourself, continue exercise and eating as healthily as possible, take hot baths, see a movie with a friend, don’t overindulge with food or alcohol
- If you are lonely, get out around people – serving others in some way always helps
- Seek out help – your pastor, a friend, family member, therapist, church family
- Develop a holiday schedule and don’t overload yourself with activity
- Stay within your budget when shopping for gifts
- Do things which bring you joy—music, time with friends, serving others
And most importantly, remember what is most important about these days. As Christians, we are preparing for the coming of Christ, the light that will shine in all of the dark places of this world and our lives. Isaiah 60:1 says “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” This is what we celebrate in these days Christ’s “light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
Christ’s peace to you and yours,
James