What are you doing for Christmas?
How many times have you been asked that question?
And how many times have you wanted to scream and shout and tell the truth?
Yet, so few of us do tell the truth. We pretend that we are happy, planning a great time and love the holiday. The reality, however, is often that even if we hope to have a good time and plan accordingly, so often it can go wrong.
The problem is compounded if you are a Christian. After all, this is meant to the birthday of Jesus, isn't it? And surely that should make us happy.
First of all, relax. The 25 December is just one day. Although celebrated as such, it was not the actual date of Jesus' birth (many scholars agree Jesus' actual birthday was in October) and it actually started as a pagan holiday. Some quick research will show this to be true. Don't let all the hype surrounding Christmas get to you.
The key element that is often missing is family. If you are single, for whatever reason, or if you are married without children or have a family that celebrates in a style that you find uncomfortable, Christmas can be miserable. If you have been bereaved during the year the memories can be particularly painful and if you are part of a family from a different faith but have converted to Christianity you may feel that you are missing out even if you are not.
So how do you cope? What can you do to ensure that this coming Christmas passes without depression or anger setting in and keeps the tears at bay? Here are a few suggestions to help:
1. Let us know
Send us an email by clicking here. We would be happy to pray for you or to arrange an online chat on 25 December or in the run up to the day.
2. Plan your day
Just because your day can't be as ideal as you wish, that does not mean to say you can't have a day doing the things that you enjoy. Planning is the key. You don't have to eat turkey or drink mulled wine, you don't need a tree and it is not compulsory to give or receive presents. Instead, think about what you like to do. A magazine to read? A long soak in the bath? Television programmes to watch and record? A DIY project you have been wanting to start? Whatever it is, take time to schedule your day. That will ensure you do things that you enjoy and remove the gaps in which might have time to reflect.
3. Think of others
You are not the only one who dreads Christmas and finds it difficult. Countless others are in the same situation. Could you support them? Look around you - are there elderly neighbours or lonely single parents? Is there a charity that helps the homeless or a church that feeds the housebound? Even if you have never been involved before, reach out. Find at least one person to help and support. It will benefit them and help you to focus on someone else which is always a good way in to helping ourselves.