Depression and the holidays

[Guest LadyC]

well fortunately, my husband thinks that nobody can pack anything as good as he can, so i do have free help putting the decorations away. if we put up decorations (and last year is the only year we didn't), we don't take them down til after the first of the year. we do at least try to get them down before the end of january though!

[Guest]

Praying!

[Believer1997]

I know many suffer from depression around the hoildays, and I was wanting to see different opinions on why it could happen. I have had years with absolutely no reason for it to happen, but I wished I didn't have to deal with all of it. I feel that way this year, but I know the reason this time. So anyone have any suggestions why the hoildays can become so dark for some? Also please remember your brothers and sisters in prayer who have trouble this time of year.

Yes... I've had those years, too Colleen. I had a happy life growing up and I've always tried to convey those feelings to my children during the holidays - and it's worked ( for one of them ) - the other is a perennial cynic, but we love him all the more.

I think for a lot of people, they are sold the idea that you MUST be happy and look like all the families we see in the ads. Everyone has read Dickens and we must have every detail right for the holidays to be "perfect"... I found out the first year at Christmas as a new mother that "perfect" had never been a description for my holidays and most likely wouldn't be in the future years either. The house won't always be clean, someone will always have croup or the flu or even worse on a holiday, the turkey won't always look like Martha Stewart cooked it and toys break. That said - what I promised to focus on was not building up to "The Day" - but having joy in the whole season - making sure that my children understood the 'reason for the season'. Remaining calm - and reasonable and realizing that 'perfect' is sometimes sitting up all night Christmas Eve with a sick child and watching the fire die down in the grate.... It's times spent telling that story from so long ago about a young woman who put her whole faith in God and brought forth the Son. I promised myself years ago as a new Mommy that I would have joy - in the small things of life. My children (adults) remember those times (even the grumpy kid) and will gather in whatever kitchen I'm in and slowly become involved and joyful... Strive for the joy - Our Savior was born - and yet He lives!!!

[2Joyful]

I know many suffer from depression around the hoildays, and I was wanting to see different opinions on why it could happen. I have had years with absolutely no reason for it to happen, but I wished I didn't have to deal with all of it. I feel that way this year, but I know the reason this time. So anyone have any suggestions why the hoildays can become so dark for some? Also please remember your brothers and sisters in prayer who have trouble this time of year.

Yes... I've had those years, too Colleen. I had a happy life growing up and I've always tried to convey those feelings to my children during the holidays - and it's worked ( for one of them ) - the other is a perennial cynic, but we love him all the more.

I think for a lot of people, they are sold the idea that you MUST be happy and look like all the families we see in the ads. Everyone has read Dickens and we must have every detail right for the holidays to be "perfect"... I found out the first year at Christmas as a new mother that "perfect" had never been a description for my holidays and most likely wouldn't be in the future years either. The house won't always be clean, someone will always have croup or the flu or even worse on a holiday, the turkey won't always look like Martha Stewart cooked it and toys break. That said - what I promised to focus on was not building up to "The Day" - but having joy in the whole season - making sure that my children understood the 'reason for the season'. Remaining calm - and reasonable and realizing that 'perfect' is sometimes sitting up all night Christmas Eve with a sick child and watching the fire die down in the grate.... It's times spent telling that story from so long ago about a young woman who put her whole faith in God and brought forth the Son. I promised myself years ago as a new Mommy that I would have joy - in the small things of life. My children (adults) remember those times (even the grumpy kid) and will gather in whatever kitchen I'm in and slowly become involved and joyful... Strive for the joy - Our Savior was born - and yet He lives!!!

Well said my sister, well done....jot

[MorningGlory]

jotful, you take the decorations down after christmas dinner??? you don't even wait for new year? oh man!

LadyC, when there's free help, I take it as I get it lol..........jot

[Blien]

I know many suffer from depression around the hoildays, and I was wanting to see different opinions on why it could happen. I have had years with absolutely no reason for it to happen, but I wished I didn't have to deal with all of it. I feel that way this year, but I know the reason this time. So anyone have any suggestions why the hoildays can become so dark for some? Also please remember your brothers and sisters in prayer who have trouble this time of year.

From my personal experiance and articles I read here is what I've learned.

1. The time of year people are most happy is New Years. Second most happiest holiday is Christmas

2. The Devil hate Christmas as it's the most sacred day for Christians comparable to Easter and he's been trying to destroy it for years by introducing evil and heretical items like Santa Claus, Reindeers and the Christmas Tree which are all PAGAN. Not to mention gross consumerism!!

3. A LOT of people get into car accidents in Christmas, A LOT. Last christmas (I was in my country Eritrea in Africa), I heard a voice of an angel say to me, "pray before you go" because I was on my way to another city on Christmas day with my Aunts and cousins. That road required we pass through a trecherous mountain range with very tight roads and turns. Well we got into an accident and nearly fliped over a cliff into the river below! I have pictures to prove it. Bit EVERYONE who was on the bus that crashed with our car said that this was the work of God because it was impossible we survived! One of my highschool friends several years ago, lost her first born in a serious car crash on christmas day.

So this depression thing you are talking about is something very common on christmas day too. Its because the Devil is mounting his strongest attack on that day. Not surprising as Halloween is his most "holy" day.

[MorningGlory]

I know many suffer from depression around the hoildays, and I was wanting to see different opinions on why it could happen. I have had years with absolutely no reason for it to happen, but I wished I didn't have to deal with all of it. I feel that way this year, but I know the reason this time. So anyone have any suggestions why the hoildays can become so dark for some? Also please remember your brothers and sisters in prayer who have trouble this time of year.

From my personal experiance and articles I read here is what I've learned.

1. The time of year people are most happy is New Years. Second most happiest holiday is Christmas

2. The Devil hate Christmas as it's the most sacred day for Christians comparable to Easter and he's been trying to destroy it for years by introducing evil and heretical items like Santa Claus, Reindeers and the Christmas Tree which are all PAGAN. Not to mention gross consumerism!!

3. A LOT of people get into car accidents in Christmas, A LOT. Last christmas (I was in my country Eritrea in Africa), I heard a voice of an angel say to me, "pray before you go" because I was on my way to another city on Christmas day with my Aunts and cousins. That road required we pass through a trecherous mountain range with very tight roads and turns. Well we got into an accident and nearly fliped over a cliff into the river below! I have pictures to prove it. Bit EVERYONE who was on the bus that crashed with our car said that this was the work of God because it was impossible we survived! One of my highschool friends several years ago, lost her first born in a serious car crash on christmas day.

So this depression thing you are talking about is something very common on christmas day too. Its because the Devil is mounting his strongest attack on that day. Not surprising as Halloween is his most "holy" day.

There is a LOT in what you say, Blien. Satan throws everything he has at Christians to bring them low.

[Saved_by_Jesus]

I know many suffer from depression around the hoildays, and I was wanting to see different opinions on why it could happen. I have had years with absolutely no reason for it to happen, but I wished I didn't have to deal with all of it. I feel that way this year, but I know the reason this time. So anyone have any suggestions why the hoildays can become so dark for some? Also please remember your brothers and sisters in prayer who have trouble this time of year.

S.A.D. Disorder. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) It's when there isn't enough sunlight, and your Vitamin D levels get too low, causing depression. Just taking supplements (around 5,000iu a day) should help quite a bit.

[RebekahDavid]

growing up in a non Christian home all holidays were an exciting time of family, food, presents ( i was way spoiled with that as a child) the santa myth sustained as long as possible, thanksgiving a food fest that left us groaning for hours etc, decorations, good china, singing music together a world of wonderful sights, sounds, tastes smells. something that i carried through in own my family at first. it was never depressing for me until i became born again.

extended family traditions went out the window as i was not only not allowed to talk about the Lord ( which i would not bring up anyway because of the austracism my children and i recieved) but i had to sit through hours of Jesus and Bible bashing and very wordly talk . our love for the Lord became a target of anger and real unpleasantness at the holidays. finally i had to seperate my self and my children from my extended family and their traditions and no longer celebrate the holidays with them. as of this writing tho often i prepare the food set the table etc for them i still do not dine with them.

it was a real struggle for me at first until i got back to the real reasons for the holidays. not family, nor food, not even presents but a time to be extremely thankful and celebrate what the Lord has done and is doing. initially when the children were grown that meant some holidays alone (besides church services) but that was by my choice. many of my Christian brothers and sisters would have had me celebrate with them but i found the time i spent focusing on the Lord blessed me tremendously in so may ways.

i started some personal studies and outreaches as a result of the Lord speaking to my heart in prayer and used the time to witness with love and food and tracks for my neighbors Christmas. i was freed time wise to be able to worship the Lord at all the churches in my town for the holidays. thanksgiving, Christmas, and new years. what a blessings that was! 5 services of celebrating the birth of Christ! woot woot!

last year the Lord once again changed the direction of my life and since i have moved away from my church family i found myself once again using the time to spend with the Lord. just recently the rest of my syblings are stepping up to help care for my parents. my sister in law volunteered to bring the entire thanksgiving meal for them. thank You Lord! that means i will be able to spend thanksgiving with my son, daughter in law, and grandson. and while i really love them dearly honestly the best part is that they are born again believers so thanksgiving will mean what it should.

i guess what i am trying to say besides dealing with grief, sometimes maybe people's focus is on the wrong things and their expectations to find joy in the holidays missplaced because of that as was my experience.

My the Lord flood each and every person who is struggling during the holidays with His great love and peace. praying!

love your sister in Christ,

Rebekah David

[other one]

I know many suffer from depression around the hoildays, and I was wanting to see different opinions on why it could happen. I have had years with absolutely no reason for it to happen, but I wished I didn't have to deal with all of it. I feel that way this year, but I know the reason this time. So anyone have any suggestions why the hoildays can become so dark for some? Also please remember your brothers and sisters in prayer who have trouble this time of year.

Personally with me, it's a spiritual matter. We are supposed to worship our Lord in Spirit and Truth, and there is very little about Chirstmas truth.... first of all, his birthday is in September and not December, which just happens to be when a lot of pagan holidays celebrate the end of shortening of days and a return of a new year. We don't even have instructions to celebrate birthdays at all that I've seen.

Also because most people spend money they shouldn't for things they know they don't need..... and sometimes the bad kids get the best toys..... nothing about Christmas is spirit driven, and when we inject our religion into it, it really just doesn't fit for most of us.

I think it is a letdown because it's just not what the season tries to make it.......