It is that time of the year. The season of holidays, celebrations, remembrance, and being together. Personally, it is my favorite time of the year. But it is also one of my most difficult times of the year. With all of the prep, planning, coordinating, decorating, and expectations, the time becomes more daunting than joyful. And for far too many, this is a very lonely time of year as well. Lost loved ones, not having friends and family nearby, or have not found the special person yet. Then there are the few of us that have everyone around us and still feel lonely. Wintertime is a magical time of year. But how many are still struggling to find their spark?
Holiday Chaos
Some families will be planning trips together while others are preparing for the gathering to come to them. The chance to spend time with loved ones is what we strive for. Maybe offerings of favorite foods or the experience to start new traditions. Making memories for children young and old to discover the peace the world has left in it.
Holiday Blues
But I bet you don’t know that there is at least one person in your group of friends or one family member that is struggling during the season. Struggling to find any joy. Having a hard time being around everyone laughing. Feeling like they are fading away, and no one notices. At least one person spending their lives pleasing others, then dismissed. Maybe there is one person still struggling to find their voice in this noisy world.
Memories
How many of you have family in other states (United States) or in other countries (around the world)? Do any of you have loved ones in the military unable to join you for the holidays? If you don’t, I bet you probably know someone who does. The holidays are for being together. Not everyone can do that. Many of us have lost a loved one and only holding onto memories.
Remember
We move through the days at high speed, getting work done, making holiday travel plans, and preparing food. But when was the last time we stopped for a minute to reach out to family and friends? Even if you have spoken to them recently or over a year ago, it is time. It is time to remind them that they are seen. Remind them that they are loved. To remember the times of laughter and smiles. Help them to understand they are needed.
SAD
The wintertime is one of the most-common times of the year for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) to occur. This is a seasonal depression that lasts close to 4 months each year. SAD can occur in the winter or summer time. It is a disorder that needs to be taken seriously, because suicidal tendencies spike during the months between winter (eating all of the holiday foods) and summer (getting ready for the beach).
Holiday Magic
This is the time of the year that we look for the magic of the holidays or try to bring family and friends in closer. One of those ways is to make the phone call. Remind them they are loved. Let them all know they are remembered. This is a magical time and a heartwarming time, and it can be a very lonely time. Longer nights can bring many in from the world, left with their thoughts. Just think, how magical it would be to brighten someone’s day? To watch their face light up from the smile across both of your faces. This is the time for being together, even if you are connecting for the first time in years.
Enjoy this video.
With great warmth,
