This is a repeat from December 2018. For Christians, celebrating Christ’s birth can be a time of great joy. However the holidays can also be a time of stress, sadness, and even depressing at times. Some people may be experiencing financial difficulties, grieving the loss of a loved one, missing a military member, in the midst of a divorce, feeling lonely, going through family struggles, etc. Battle the holiday blues through the 12 ways shown below.

1. Pray daily. Thank God for His many blessings, pray for those who are ill, pray for the leaders of our nation, pray for family and friends, and just simply have regular prayer for the needs of others.

2. Make sleep a priority. Get plenty of sleep each night in order to have energy for each day.

3. Eliminate the news. Most news is negative and can create feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Cut out the news for a healthy period of time.

4. Always have a lot of light. Light combats the darkness of depression. Increase the wattage of lights, open the curtains, etc. but do whatever it takes to be in the light.

5. Take time to unwind. Being busy much of the time is not healthy. Find quiet alone time for yourself and with those who mean the most to you.

6. Respect your Christmas budget. Overspending can be stressful and can quickly take the joy out of life.

7. Write a thank you note. Express written appreciation to someone who influenced you, helped you in the past, been an encouragement, an excellent role model, etc.

8. Watch a comedy. The holidays have enough drama so avoid “downer” shows. Take time to watch a comedy television program or movie, a feel-good Christmas film, etc.

9. Remember to Exercise and Eat healthy. The blues can lead to not eating, overeating, and emotional paralysis to do nothing but sit or stay in bed. Have a well-balanced diet and eat three meals a day. Exercise for ten minutes three to four times per week.

10. Sing Christmas songs out loud. It is literally true that we are happy when we sing. So we can actually sing aloud to become happy.

11. Associate with positive people. Like attracts like. If you hang around critical, negative, or complaining individuals, you will sponge up those emotions and develop that attitude. Hence, you want to associate with encouraging, positive, optimistic, and upbeat people to combat the blues.

12. Give meaningful gifts. The very best gifts are absolutely not financial! When we give even small gifts to others we lift our mood. Give significant yet simple gifts like: your time, praise, a smile, a hug, a thankful heart, a listening ear, a zestful or fun spirit, etc.

Please share on Facebook, Twitter - @Dr_Randy_S, and Instagram. Please also “SUBSCRIBE” on my website, www.DrRandySchroeder.com, for future newletters. See past blog posts under SIMPLE HABITS for Marriage, Parenting, and Life.

SIMPLE HABITS FOR MARITAL HAPPINESS – Practical Skills and Tools That Build a Strong SATISFYING RELATIONSHIP, released March 2020 on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Habits-Marital-Happiness-Relationship/dp/1633571750 will make a great gift for married friends, children, grandchildren, parents, and other family members.