A patient recently told me that Christmas music actually makes her sad—and she’s embarrassed to feel like a Grinch. If you can relate, you’re not alone.

The holiday season can be filled with joy. But for many, it’s a time of loneliness, reflection on past failures, and anxiety.

Many factors cause the holiday blues, and the extra activities can actually add to the stress.

Spending time with supportive people can help you cope. So can serving others through volunteering. Also, use the approaching new year as a time to set new goals and look toward the future. Stop looking in the rearview mirror.

Other measures you can take to cope with the Christmas holiday blues include:

• Make plans in advance, so you know how and with whom your holidays will be spent.
• Uncertainty and putting off decision-making add enormous stress.
• Shop early and allow time to wrap and mail packages to avoid the shopping crunch.
• Ask for help from your family and children. Women tend to think they have to do everything when a team effort can be more fun.
• Don’t buy things you can’t afford. Shame prevents people from being open about gift-giving when they can’t afford it. Instead of struggling to buy a gift, let your loved ones know how much you care and would like to, but can’t afford it. That intimate moment will relieve your stress and nourish you both.
• Don’t allow perfectionism to wear you down. Remember it’s being together and goodwill that matters.
• Make time to rest and rejuvenate even amidst the pressure of getting things done. This will give you more energy.
• Spend time alone to reflect and grieve, if necessary. Pushing down feelings leads to depression. Let yourself feel. Then do something nice for yourself and socialize.
• Don’t isolate. Reach out to others who also may be lonely. If you don’t have someone to be with, volunteer to help those in need. It can be very uplifting and gratifying.

If you have the Christmas blues, take positive steps to sing a different tune. And don’t make things worse by shaming yourself for the way you feel. Give yourself the gifts of grace and forgiveness.

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2022. This blog provides a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.