Suggestions for Surviving Any Holiday of the Year

The holiday decorations are up, the family’s coming in a few weeks, I passed my last physical with high marks, and the children are all doing well.  Life is good, even for an old codger like myself.  But you know, a strange thing happens to some people around the holidays—even to those who have much to be thankful for.  You’d think they would be walking around all bubbles and smiles.  Instead, they seem to be under a perpetual cloud.  They tear up at the least little thing, complain of being tired all the time, and can’t sleep at night.

Have you ever felt like this—I mean, for more than an occasional day?  Then, maybe you have SAD.  No, I don’t mean you feel sad, I mean you have SAD—Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Just putting a name on it makes it seem less threatening, doesn’t it?  And, if it’s any comfort to know, there are a lot of SAD people--an estimated 10 million Americans alone.  A milder form of SAD, called Winter Blues, affects even greater numbers.

Doctors and scientists discovered that the farther north a person lives, the more likely they are to have SAD.  One of the conclusions they came to is that this condition has something to do with a person’s exposure to light.  This is why SAD is more common in the wintertime when the days are shorter.  Also, a person who lives in Toronto is more likely to develop SAD than a person who lives in Miami.  Maybe that’s why so many seniors move to Florida.  We’re not as dumb as we look!

But there are things you can do when you begin to feel blue.  Putting yourself in a brighter atmosphere can help.  For instance, fluorescent bulbs are more helpful than filament bulbs—and more economical.  A one-hour daily walk outside can also help, even if the day is overcast.  Plus, you get the added benefit of exercise, another SAD inhibiter.

You may want to tweak your lifestyle to emphasize a healthier diet, plenty of fluids, deep breathing, periods of rest, and relaxing music.  Speaking of music, students taking a standard IQ (Intelligence Quotient) test score higher when they listen to Mozart before the test.  Relaxing classical music seems to help organize the brain cells.

What helps me the most to shake the blues is to remind myself that God doesn’t change.  I may have my ups and downs, but He loves me the same.  Jesus understands our feelings of despair because He lived in this world, too.  And He said, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:28, 29).

On the darkest days, there is light and glory beyond the clouds.  Even though we may not feel like it, we can talk hope and faith and thanksgiving to God.  Instead of talking discouragement, talk of things that are higher, better, and more noble.  Recount God’s promises to you:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13, NIV).

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

Finally, remember the spirit of the holidays.  Major holidays often underscore very profound messages that must not be lost in the rush of things.  A day for giving thanks celebrates the bounty that surrounds us.  It’s about people coming together to feast and reflect on a year's blessings.  However great or small, there are things to be celebrated.  Christmas is the season of profound love.  Giving to others and bringing joy to the world are what give spiritual meaning to life.  New Year's is a time of new beginnings.  A time to let go of the old, forget the past, and rededicate our energies, talents, and love to another year.  New Year's is a reminder that with every ending there’s a new beginning.

Take it from me: when you feel the blues coming on, what you need is light.  And remember what Jesus said:  “I am the light of the world” (John 9:5).