Ditto on the Christmas Decorating and a Little Depression?

I used to go "all out" with the decorating at Christmas time.  The teenage manchild was much younger then and our lives were much different.  Now I find it too taxing to climb up into the rafters of the garage, pull out the boxed decorations (including my gorgeous tree), lug everything to the apartment, find a place to put everything out for a month - only to un-decorate, re-pack, and re-store.  Just typing this is making me weary *insert huge sigh here*


What I want to know is, when did all of this change???   I used to LOVE this time of year!


Now don't go get your Christmas lights all up in bunch!  I know that John 3:16-17 says "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."  So yes, I know that the true meaning of Christmas is LOVE.  But that's not my question here.  Why did my love for decorating this time of year change?  


So . . . I did a little researching on the internet - yeah, I know - self analysis by way of the internet can be a little dangerous, but hey, I think I may have stumbled upon something!  Holiday Depression.


Yep, I read that many people suffer depression during the holidays.  And even if you're in an UN-depressed state, the holidays can be stressful.  And the nutritional experts believe that depression is caused by excessive sugar and fatty foods moving through our bodies.  You know, all of those rum balls and chocolate dipped pretzels?


And check this out.  Seniors (I'm one of those) are more susceptible to holiday depression.  The loss of someone, the anniversary of a loss or a traumatic event can make memories come back that can put a damper on spirits.  Huuuumm, I wonder if this all stems back to my childhood memories of Christmas with the "Wicked Witch of the Midwest"?


I also read that lots of women suffer unnecessarily from depression during this time of year.  The good news is that with careful planning, regular exercise, support from loved ones and treatment by a health-care professional, can help overcome depression so you can enjoy the holidays.  This particular article didn't mention anything about the excessive sugar and fatty foods.  I'm liking this article much better than the other one already!


If you suffer from holiday depression as well, below are some action strategies you might find helpful.  These are probably good for you NON-depressive types who get stressed out and at the end of your rope during the holidays as WELL:

Take care of yourself.  It's a gift to everyone else because everyone ends up having a happier and healthier holiday 


Instead of sending out Christmas cards, send electronic ones instead.  I've been using Jacquie Lawson greetings for the last few years now.  But if you MUST send out cards, just sign them instead of trying to rack your brain with some joyful greeting inside


Learn to say "NO"


Define your personal limits and stick to them 

Instead of wrapping the house in lights, put a wreath on the door and call it a day

Decorating a Christmas tree can be a monumental task.  Instead, put out a mini tree.  Here's mine.  It's an Avon Majestic Lighted Christmas tree that I bought (from the Avon lady at work) probably 3 or 4 years ago.  


It's really cool because it only takes 2 batteries and when the season is over, you just fold it flat and slip it back in its box!  Easy Peasy!

And here's a good one!  I read that you should arrange to take a vacation during Christmas if you can afford to.  That way you can use the excuse that you're getting ready for your vacation as a way to avoid social commitments!  

holiday travelers at the Los Angeles airport

I'm not going anywhere, but I AM taking a vacation over the holidays.  I sure hope staying home doesn't depress me even more!  Yikes

And here's another one I read.  It's pretty much a no-brainer, but I'll include it in the list anyway.  Try to stay away from the alcohol that is flowing freely this time of year.  Alcohol is a depressant and is the last thing you need.  Sure wouldn't want to end up feeling all sad and over-emotional after the holidays.


I'm just sayin' . . .