Sadness at Christmas

December is perhaps the most“ambivalent” month of the year for people. You may sense ambivalence in that we look forward to the winter celebrations but dread the cost, the mayhem and hustle and bustle that goes along with it. The religious context of Christmas elates you as it has done in the past but the glitter and senseless commercialism makes your soul ache.
These are pretty obvious emotional dilemmas but more of us may admit to not really wanting to be part of the festive season. Life may be great otherwise; we manage and even enjoy the changing season but Christmas can often mean that we go through the motions hiding the deep sense of sadness.
So using every memory of joy at Christmas will help to sustain us but often the memories of happy children and the noise of new toys can be overtaken by the memory of loved ones who have suffered and died. Loss can be with us everyday of the year but it seems to be magnified under the Christmas tree lights and glittering tinsel.

None of us really wants to play “humbug” and certainly we don’t really want to be alone. We may enjoy the peace and quiet if we do spend Christmas Day in the warmth of our own home but human contact is so essential to warm the heart and soothe the soul.There are so many disappointed people this year who have been devastated by cancelled flights, trains and are unable to be with friends and family.
What can we offer to those who hold a deep pool of tears?
Count your blessings? Support those around us and extend your Christmas to someone who is not going to be home for the festivities. Give hope and inspiration through looking outward to those who are turning inwards. The human spirit shines in times of adversity.
So keep in mind that you do have the people that love and care about you around you and that there are people out there that don’t even have that or their loved ones are in another country and can’t get home. Some of us are blessed more than others, look at the positive and throw away the negative. Negative feelings and thoughts are a downward spiral like a black hole it sucks you in and then won’t let you go. Go help out at some where or just help your neighbour with something, but don’t let this time of year get you down. It’s only a day that comes and goes just like the rest and you are not abnormal if you don’t feel the same way that other people around you feel this time of year. I do wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year