Surviving Christmas in Pain

Surviving Christmas in Pain
by Alan McCormick

I am blessed to have a wife whose Christmas spirit is so bright that it literally lights up the neighborhood. She is one of those who really get into it-really dedicating herself to all that is Christmas. This year, for the first year in a long time, I am excited about joining her. I feel the spirit of Christmas awakening in my body. For the first time in a long time I anticipate the reliving of the birth of our savior, the joyful lights, the smell of pine. Could it really be that this year I say "Merry Christmas to all!"- instead of just "to all a good night!"? 

For many- Christmas can be a negative time. A sad, depressing period when everyone else in the world seems happier than you. When everyone around you exhibits a sense of cheer that you can't pretend to have. Lights? Tacky. Gifts? A Waste of Money. Manger Story? Cliche. Depression and anxiety can be exacerbated by the realization of all, what, and who you don't in this life. So how do you survive? How do you get by without stringing up those joy-loving nuts by their lights? Here are four simple steps that will help to pull you from your slump and get you sitting on the pine tree stump: 

1.) Focus Inward and Upward. 

This season, make it your Christmas mission to take care of yourself and your relationship with God. In addition to focusing on daily or regular physical exercise and good eating- flex your spiritual muscles by praying and getting into God's word. Especially if you don't feel like it. Feeling bad? Focus on the book of Job. And we think we have problems?! 

2.) Get out- Help Out. 

It's easy to draw the shades and call it quits- especially when its dark outside at four thirty. Make a commitment to help others in need. Whether your shopping for donations or serving in the soup kitchen- a sincere and  heartfelt thank-you is sure to lift anyone's spirit. 

3.) Keep it Simple. 

Christmas is the time of year when schedules can spin out of control. Intentional or unintentional- we often overdo it. You aren't the Grinch for blowing off the Christmas pageant. Making time for down time should be one of your top priorities. 

4.) Repay Evil with Good.

This one is for the person having anxiety over that "special somebody" coming to visit this holiday. Repaying evil with good is a given any time of the year- but it's time to put that skill into overdrive. Not only can failing at this skill flunk your holiday- it can stretch the pain into months or even years to come. Tip: practice some "nice rebuttals" or simply an exit strategy before your event. 

Keep your head up- and don't give up. Avoid loneliness and self-loathing. If times are really tough- team up. An accountability partner can be your saving grace. Before you know it, spring will be upon us again!