Red Hot Mamas In Charge of Change.
By: Red Hot Mamas
Published: December 12, 2023
Written By Cynthia Niles- Guest Contributor
The delicious smell of cookies and cakes baking in the oven and fresh fir trees. The wonderful colors that the holiday brings with the backdrop of snow glistening in the cool, brisk air. Looking forward to family gatherings, The reindeer playing in the snow, the laughter of children anticipating Santa Claus or the presents of Hanukkah. As the holiday approaches, one can only hope that this holiday season is so wonderful.
As a mother of two, a daughter, and a sister I know that this wonderful holiday optimism may not be a reality. Unfortunately, for many, the holiday season can cause many stressors leading to what I like to call the winter blues.
The reality, for me, is having to attend holiday parties in which I overeat, causing me to gain those extra unwanted pounds. And, unfortunately, the days are over when my two daughters are satisfied with one simple gift. If the gift doesn’t whistle or has a hefty price tag, it isn’t cool.
This month I need wait in endless lines at my local shopping mall to purchase gifts or stay locked at my computer to order those gifts for my loved ones. Then, reality hits. I worry about the credit card bill that awaits me at the end of the month. Afterall, how am I ever going to pay for all the purchases?
It’s no wonder this time of year can lead to bouts of depression as one ponders all the things one didn’t accomplish in the past year. Another year passed and goals that were never achieved.
Others may get depressed remembering loved ones gone and some people are truly alone. Don’t get me wrong, this is a wonderful time of year in which we can all learn a few things.
The winter blues do not have to get you down and the pressures of the holidays can be manageable. The following suggestions may be helpful to get through this holiday season.
Be Realistic
During the holiday season, many people find themselves out of their normal life routines. They may make unrealistic goals for themselves thus setting themselves up for failure. One may look at the overall state of their life over the past year and become depressed at all that was not accomplished. Be real. Start with a simple plan and stick to it. Begin with small steps to obtain your larger goals. A little accomplishment may go a long way by giving you the ambition to go even farther.
Be Good to Yourself
Keep the holiday simple and be good to yourself. Many people find themselves overwhelmed during the holidays because schedules go out the window. It is extremely important to pace oneself and not overdo it. Try to maintain a schedule by prioritizing which holiday events to attend. If you are planning the holiday event, keep it simple, for example make one or two types of cookies instead of twelve. If you are attending parties, try not to overindulge in fatty foods and sugars as these items have been associated with an increase in depression. Try to keep your exercise routine and if possible, spend plenty of time outdoors. Some experts believe that seasonal affective disorder, which is caused by lack of sunlight causing a reduction in endorphins distributed to the brain, can contribute to the winter blues. If you are all alone this holiday season, try to reach out to someone else in need. There are many hospitals, food pantries, and local organizations looking for people like you to volunteer your time. In addition, it may make you feel better to help someone else during this season.
Be Good to Your Pocketbook
Shopping can be very stressful. Make lists of the people you need to purchase for, set a budget, and stick to it. Keep your costs down as we all need to remember that in this season of giving it could cause financial hardships for some. Many people agree it is the thought or gesture of kindness that really matters and not the amount of money one spends on gifts. Shopping through catalogs or online could also be helpful to avoid the chaos of shopping malls. If you do plan to spend the day shopping, bring a healthy lunch or dinner as we all know quick fast food isn’t going to benefit your wellbeing.
Be Kind
Some people, such as the elderly, widowers, divorcees, and military personnel, feel a real sense of loss during this time as they get lost in the shuffle. They are now guests at events which they used to host. They miss the loved ones that may not be around now, and depression may be present due to this. If you are this person, remind yourself that it is normal to feel sadness and it is okay to cry. Try to remember your loved ones and the special memories you may hold. Share these memories with others if possible. If you are the younger generation, try to be sensitive to these people during this time and try to include them by making new memories with them. Make them feel sincerely needed and welcome.
In closing, I am going to try to follow my own advice. I need to be good to myself, be good to my pocketbook, be realistic, and be kind. And I will look forward to all the joyful memories this holiday season. Have a happy, healthy holiday and a wonderful new year.
Cynthia Niles is the daughter of Karen Giblin
