Blue Christmas
Blue Christmas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! (insert singing voice) But for many this time of the year doesn’t feel wonderful, it is a mixture of Joy and grief! This is a time of reflection and our minds remembering our loved ones that are no longer with us. What can we do practically and spiritually to have JOY during this season? Here’s five ways to combat a Blue Christmas and turn it into a JOYous Christmas!
1) Recognize that you are grieving so put boundaries in your life that will allow you not to overextend yourself so that you can protect your bandwidth. Give yourself permission not to attend every party, play and various Holidays events. Don’t isolate but be very intentional with your time.
2) Start a new tradition, it’s okay to keep traditions that are still serving you well but if they are not it’s okay to release it and start new ones. For us sentimental people this is challenging to do, but if it will protect your peace in this season, it’s worth doing it.
It may also be fun to do something fun like a family bake off or run in honor of your loved one.
3) Take care of your physical health: it’s easy to get sidetracked with our eating where it can leave us feeling sluggish and tired. Even if it’s cold outside, put a jacket on and get a short walk in or become a mall walker. Exercise is essential to helping to regulate the nervous system and to combat grief.
4) Remember the main reason for this season! Society will try to convince us to embrace materialism and to go into debt buying various items. Don’t fall for this trick, instead let’s counteract it by spending quality time with our family/friends and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
5) Keep our eyes on JESUS! Even amid this hectic season, let’s be intentional in spending quality time with the Lord before the day even gets started. Also reading the word of God will help our faith stay strong and it will bring daily strength. The Amplified Classic and ESV are great translations to read and are easy to understand. It’s vital to stay connected to the Body of Christ, being in community with others will help reduce loneliness. Let’s allow the Lord to wrap his loving/caring arms around us this season!
Bonus: Shift the “Blue” atmosphere by putting on praise and worship as well as some fun upbeat Christmas songs! Have an impromptu dance party in your living room. You only live once so why not live it with JOY!
Note: If your grief turns into depression or if you are having a really difficult time processing grief, please don’t hesitate to reach out to get professional help-you are worth it!
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