About this time each year people begin to put plenty of hopes into the approaching Xmas season, thinking it will bring them the joy that’s missing in their lives. When Yuletide does arrive and fails to meet expectancies, the post Christmas blues become rather common. The sadist part is that right after Christmas is when the suicide rate goes up.
So what is the easiest way to break the post Christmas blues? Prior to starting thinking, well I don’t need to stress about that, just look back because if you are like most of us, you have experienced at least some unhappiness at Christmas time. The build up towards Xmas is far bigger than the day can deliver. I saw Christmas lights up this year before Thanksgiving. There is all of the Christmas music, the hustle and bustle, buying presents and the plans for a large family Christ The Lord with a lot of food to prepare.
Customarily by the point Xmas does arrive, we are plenty prepared for things to get back to business. Possibly though the most terrible mistake is expecting too much from one day on the calendar. The truth of the case is if we aren’t content with the 364 other days on the calendar, we’re not likely to experience any change on the 365th day either, counting Yuletide as day 365.
I do not mean to take away from the import of what Xmas stands for and that is the arrival of the savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. But that is no longer the main thrust of Christmas. Today it looks the stress has turned to drinking, parties and spending a load more money than can be afforded.
So here are 5 paths to break the post Christmas blues:
Lower your expectancies and raise your benevolent involvement:
Lower your expectations of what Xmas will do for you and raise your involvement in helping the less fortunate. There are plenty of strategies to try this. If you’re part of a church, they are going to give you a lot of occasions to help the needy at Yuletide. If you’re not connected with a church, the civic affiliations in your city are also concerned in helping folks. The Salvation Army always has its kettles at the local merchants.
Be concerned in the get-together of friends:
The get-together at Christmas time could be a heap of fun, but I would also caution you about the wild parties where there’s a lot of drinking because that can add to your distress following Xmas. Most of the Christmas gatherings I’ve attended during the past have been the Religious study group I am part of or acquaintances and family; they have added a large amount of joy and fun to the season. Just arranging a gathering of your close friends, or maybe folk from work, in your home is also a smart idea. When you do join these get-togethers, take the chance to relax, have a great time and be sure to join in and laugh a lot and add to the pleasure of others.
Plan a reasonable spending budget:
Unless you're like the royal family of Dubai who usurped three million dollars to Great Britten with them to pay costs and buy gifts, you will need to plan well. The best rule is to pay money for Xmas and avoid running up your mastercards, which can potentially make the New Year not so satisfied, when it comes time to try and pay it all back. I suspect that charging too much on credit cards is one of the most depressing features of Xmas and one that could be evaded with a little care.
Continue to take care of yourself:
Too much parting, too much drinking and too much eating are all good paths to create yourself a good case of post Christmas blues. With this is letting go of exercise and not getting plenty of sleep and rest. Traffic fatal injuries also increase round the holidays as more people drink and drive. While there is little we are able to do personally about that, aside from not being one of those that drink and drive, we will plan our trips to circumvent the late evening rush that includes a lot of drunks. We can also continue an exercising schedule, get our rest, enough sleep and eat within reason.
Plan to make every day a special day:
While special days like Thanksgiving and Christmas are very important, they’re actually just another day. Each day is a gift from God and will be special. But before it can be special, we must have the right attitude about it. As I write this, I am well aware of the problems that life brings, often trouble at home, on the job or health concerns. But still if you’re ready to have a roof over your head, put food on the table and have attire to. Wear, you are among the top 10% of privileged folks who live on this planet. On top of that if you have moderately good health you need to leap with joy.
The reason for a large amount of the blues we experience after Christmas is a failing to be thankful for all God has done for us and continues to do everyday. It’s a matter of fact that virtually anyone has enough concerns to give them the blues if they permit it to happen. But by the same principle, almost anybody has enough to be thankful for to be contented.
Conclusion:
So this Christmas season plan to just continue right thru the season being grateful and content for the nice things that you have in your life and do not let the negative pull you down. Enjoy the fun and laughs as friends gather. Enjoy your family and friends and give up any expectancy that Christmas day as an important day will change anything. Instead , make it your priority to cause your own change only one day at a time every day across the year.
Find out how to have a connection with God who is the author of every day and discover the difference it can make in all the days of your life as he brings about a fresh lifestyle that incorporates a peace that passes all understanding.
Jimmie Burroughs has been concerned in teaching Christian Personal Development off and on for at least 30 years. He’s a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ and considers helping folks his calling in life. His website has many articles on preparing yourself for success thru personal development.
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