Holiday Blues and Blahs

There are little things which everyone can do to make the holidays easier. Try to:

• Reduce expectations - Be honest with yourself and family about how much is doable during the holidays.
• Encourage participation - Get everyone involved. Being involved makes the holiday more personal.
• Avoid stress - Make things simple. The goal of the holidays is to enjoy yourself, not to prove you have superhuman endurance.
• Celebrate!!! - It is important that everyone be given the opportunity to celebrate. If you are alone, try to plan to be with others, through church, social groups, family or adopted family. Enjoyment and thanks for even the most modest blessings is important.
• Do something for others - Volunteer to help at a local program or just surprising someone with a random act of kindness can be very rewarding to your mental and spiritual health.

Source: How to avoid...the holiday blues and blahs. (1999, November). Fitzgibbon -Mary Montgomery Hospice Newsletter, 2.