Originally Posted by katiebear1
Our family is scattered all over the country( our kids and my sister and BIL in Denver, My DH siblings in Oregon, California and Texas. The holidays are really hard for me. I struggle with clinical depression and I just miss the family SOOO much. I just want to get through the holidays. I tried to get in the spirit last year and put up a little tree and some decorations, but it just made it worse. I wish I could fast forward to the new year :cry:
Katiebear,
I am so sorry that you struggle so during what for most of us is the most wonderful time of the year. Unfortunately, today too many families have scattered throughout the country making getting together very difficult if not impossible, especially in light of the recession. I am in the same position. Then there are our military families that are separated at the holidays as well. I personally remember well when I served in the Woman’s Army Corp during the Vietnam War and was unable to be home celebrating the holidays with my five sisters and two brothers. I know that your suffering is real and please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers throughout this holiday season. I am not in any way making light of your situation and/or illness but I hope you will take my following suggestions with the love, hugs and the sincerity that they are given.
Please consider helping out or attending a local community holiday meal. You will find yourself surrounded by others in your very same situation; and might even make new long-lasting friendships. If you can volunteer your services to participate in making and/or serving at such an event, your thoughts will be caught up in the act of being of service to others (my husband and I have done just this over past holidays).
Decorate the house, dress up and invite friends and or neighbors that are alone; the elderly etc, and make a big to do of the holidays. Invite them for a holiday meal, hold a Christmas cookie swap, or have a tree decorating party where you supply the food and your guests supply a decoration for the tree. This too can be the start of new lasting friendships and new holiday traditions.
Dress up, go out to dinner and take a long ride admiring the Christmas lights.
Select a star from a local tree for a child in need and go shopping for him or her. Shop, wrap and donate gifts for your local collection center for needy children (they need not be expensive, they may even be homemade); or food to a local soup kitchen or collection center.
Get some friends together and go Christmas caroling at your local hospital, nursing home, or out around the neighborhood.
Bring a box of cards to a local nursing home and help the residents address them to family and/or long lost friends.
These are just some ideas, and I am sure that there are many others that members can share finding themselves in the same position. Is it the same as sharing the holidays with love ones….no of course not……but hopefully it can make the holidays less depressing and painful for you.
God Bless You and know that I care.
Nancy
:-D :-D :-D