Despite the joviality of the festivities associated with the holidays, there are people who tend to get the blues around this time of year. Theories for why this happens include shorter days—which result in decreased exposure to sunlight, the cold and wind, and gray, rainy weather.
If you’re one of the people who tends to dread this time of year, below are a few ways to help get you out of your funk.
1. Volunteer
What better way to make you feel good than to help someone in need? Food banks can always use an extra hand to prepare and serve hot meals. Homeless shelters hand out blankets. Or how about going through your pantry and putting together a box of canned and other non-perishable items? Any of these tasks could give you the boost you need to elevate your mood.
2. Join the club
Join a group that has interests similar to yours. If you’re a vegetarian yoga instructor who enjoys underwater basket weaving, trust me, there’s an organization out there where you’ll be a perfect fit. Start with www.meetup.com. It’s filled with groups where membership is free or costs very little. All you have to do is enter some key words and a zip code. Each group has an organizer(s) who plans events for the members. During the holiday season, potluck dinners are one way for members to congregate and interact. Instead of staying at home by yourself, get out and make some new friends.
3. Join the party
Check the local paper for events taking place in your area where you have the opportunity to meet other people. Bars throw parties, restaurants have happy hours, and non-profits have fundraisers. By the way, go easy on the alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is a depressant. Therefore, you’ll feel worse once the initial effects wear off.
4. Throw your own party
If you don’t feel like going out, throw your own party! Don’t be surprised that others you know may be looking for something to do around this time of year too. Do something different and host a tapas party. There are some yummy recipes at the about.com entertaining page. Or how about a festive brunch? Make it a potluck event and you have even less stress and less fuss. Go to the brunch recipes at foodnetwork.com for ideas.
5. Read a book
At some point, you may still find yourself alone and tempted to mope. Don’t give in! Lift your spirits by reading a good book. Romantic comedies are a perfect way to lift your spirits. They’ll have you laughing all the way to the happy ending. There are also seasonal-themed romance novels this time of year. The Coffee Thoughts Bookstore is running specials right now from various publishers, and they have discounts available on holiday-themed books. A list of holiday-themed African-American or multicultural novels can be found at Romance Noire Book Club.Â
You can probably think of a few other ideas on your own. Just remember, you have choices. If you can’t get out and join the festivities, bring them to you.
Happy Holidays!
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My debut release, The Arrangement, received a 5 cup review from Coffee Time Romance & More. Chapter one and a link to the review are posted on my website.
Website:Â www.delaneydiamond.com
To purchase The Arrangement: Amira Press, AllRomanceEbooks, Amazon
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What a refreshing post!
So many times it occurs to me that people have forgotten what Christmas is truly about. Also mongst all the business and hassle its inspirational to remember the folk that have remembered those for whom this is a difficult time of year.
A happy and healthy festive season to you,
Grace x
I like the volunteering idea. It worked for me years ago. I volunteered in nursing homes 23 years and concurrent to some of that at hospice for 18 years. Doing for others breaks the pattern of sadness and makes everything good in your life better.
Julie
Delaney,
This post is oh so true. Keeping yourself active and involved with others will help fight those horrible “blue” feelings.
Wishing lots of joy and best wishes for the coming holidays, my friend. You take care!
ck
All good and useful ideas. Especially #5, during this time of year I enjoy winding down by reading holiday focused novels. I even dig in my film stash and pull out my old Christmas classic movies.
I’m so glad you like it, Grace. When I was younger, I never truly appreciated Christmas. Now that I’m older, I think one of the best ways to celebrate it is to do something for others.
Julie, I absolutely agree. I often feel better when I’ve done something to help someone else.
I wish you and your family best wishes for the holidays too!
Vannie, I often stock up on books this time of year. I just got an order in, so I’ll have plenty to read over the next few of weeks. Like you, I’m looking forward to getting in some movie watching too.
All great ideas, especially volunteering. Nothing takes our mind off ourselves like helping someone else! And I second RomanceNoire as a great resource for romance. Happy holidays to everyone, or in the words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us, every one!”
I just did my suggestion last night, actually…I stop the holiday rat race to just sit down and enjoy some favorite music that captures the true spirit of this season for me. It lets me remember why this is such a great time of year, despite the holiday traffic, crowded stores, and often angry shoppers.
@Niambi – Thanks for stopping by. Happy holidays to you too!
@Rose – Music is a good idea. It does lift the spirits and help you to get in a holiday frame of mind, doesn’t it?