Ways to avoid, subdue 'Blue Christmas'

December 19, 2008|By Becky Leonard, Extension Educator/FamilyConsumer SciencesSpink County

REDFIELD - As you watch Christmas movies, do you ever wonder what the day after Christmas would look like in the stories? Did the Grinch feel let down after celebrating with all the Whos in Whoville? If we could see the day after the Whoville Whobilation, maybe we'd see the Grinch lounging on his couch, eating leftovers and feeling a bit lethargic. Scrooge finally found the spirit of Christmas, but have you ever wondered if he felt blue after he left the Cratchit family festivities and returned to his empty house? The holidays can be a time of joy, fun and excitement. They can also be tiring, disappointing and stressful. It's common for people to feel a bit “blue” or let-down during or immediately after the holidays. Often, this is your body letting you know that it needs to relax and recuperate after a busy and hectic schedule. Sometimes, the holiday blues show up when our expectations were not met. Gail Carlson, University of Missouri-Columbia, shares what holiday blues are all about and how we can keep our holiday stress manageable. During the holidays, there are many events, activities, and people that act as stressors. Stressors are anything that causes stress. Some stressors are caused by negative events, while others are the result of things that we look forward to. Negative stressors that can occur around the holidays are family arguments, disappointment over gifts, concern about spending too much money, loneliness, not being able to get home for the holidays, not enough sleep, too many people. But, events that we truly look forward to can also be stressful Ð visiting with friends and families, playing with grandchildren whom you don't see very often, wrapping gifts, preparing food, decorating the house, eating favorite or special food, and the change of routine and pace. It is important to remember that some people do truly become depressed during the holidays. Holidays are not a magical cure for people who are lonely and sad. The best gift you might be able to give someone who is depressed is the assurance that you don't expect him/her to automatically feel better because it is a holiday. Encourage involvement in holiday activities and events, but give that person some space and permission to leave when they feel they need to. For the rest of us the major concern is stress overload. Stress can be caused by a single major event such as the disappointment that occurs when an unexpected ice storm keeps family members away from a planned gathering. It can also result when little things pile up, even things we enjoy Ð too many parties, late evenings, the added tension of having house guests, time schedules, a change in routine, etc. The body needs a chance to recover from stress. Without these rest periods, individuals are more susceptible to emotional tension and physical illness. There is also more risk of a breakdown in family communication. While there are some things that are beyond our control, there are things we can do to keep holiday stress in check.

  • Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Don't try to make it "the best ever."
  • Make a list and prioritize the most important activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Pace yourself. Organize your time.
  • Establish a budget and stick to it! Don't forget to add the cost of all those special holiday foods that you plan to prepare.
  • Enjoy holiday activities that are free, such as driving around to look at decorations Ð or go window-shopping without buying anything.
  • Don't drink too much. Excessive drinking will only make you tired and depressed.
  • Spend time with people who are supportive and who care about you. Make new friends during special times when you are alone.
  • Recognize that life brings change. The holidays don't need to be just like they were in the "good old days" to be enjoyable. Develop some new family traditions. Celebrate the holidays in a way you have not done before.
  • Find time for yourself! Don't spend all your time providing activities for your family and friends. If the holidays weren't what you expected, talk it over with your family and make some changes. On the other hand, if you enjoyed your holidays but still have that let-down feeling, try to relax and just accept your body and mind's need to recuperate after an exciting and fun-filled time. Source: Carlson, G. “Those Holiday Blues,” University of Missouri Extension.

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