MERRY CHRISTMAS OR HOLIDAY BLUES?

 

 "It's the MOST wonderful time of the year!" -- A song we often hear during Christmas time.

And that's true -- it's a wonderful time for many of us.  Snow, hustle and bustle, gifts and Christmas gatherings are good.  For others, however, it's not so wonderful.  During the first two weeks of December, I talked to people who have gone through the following:

• A lady whose friend shot and killed himself in front of her
• A man whose stress brought back bouts of drinking
• A woman whose house was robbed
• A beautiful young lady who looked like she could be on a magazine cover, but who felt so badly about herself she wanted to end it all
• A couple who are separating because of marriage problems
• A man who's grieving as he remembers the loss of a parent at this time of year

Needless to say, this is not "the most wonderful time of the year" for them.  And yet, here we are -- we're supposed to be rejoicing and remembering that "Jesus is the reason for the season," right?  As someone said recently, "This time of the year, you'd better be jolly..... or else!"

What else are we to do?

First of all, if you're going through a time of "holiday blues," know that you're not alone.  Just look at the above list.

Secondly, give yourself permission to experience whatever emotions you're feeling.  Ecclesiastes 3 tells us, "there's a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to cry and a time to laugh."  If you're sad, cry.  If you're mad, yell!  Of course, the Bible tells us to "be angry and sin not."  Therefore, we are not to yell at others, break things or develop a case of road rage!  A good way to release anger in a healthy way is to yell at a tree (they don't usually yell back!).  Or, write a letter to the person you're mad at -- then burn it, not send it!  And, of course, talking to a counselor can be a very liberating experience as you unburden your heart to a caring, non-judgmental listener.

However, let me tell you -- during that same two-week time frame, I also heard the following:

• A woman's ex-husband had sexually abused her children and for years, they had dealt with healing their hurts and longed for justice.  This month they heard he had been arrested and will be brought to trial -- a closure they're rejoicing about.
• A man who had lost job and family because of alcoholism has been sober for quite a while now; the hope in his heart shines through the wide grin on his face as he looks forward.
• Rejoicing is evident in the young lady who just heard she has gotten her dream job after a long wait.

Romans 8:28 promises us that we know "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  We all go through ups and downs in our lives; when we choose hope, we become closer to that purpose.

Merry Christmas or the Holiday Blues?  Let's choose hope.