It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Ev’rywhere you go;
Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.

Oh! The Holidays! Pretty lights and decorations adorn our homes, the smell of fresh baking is constantly lingering in the air and Christmas Carols are played on the radio and can be heard in stores, offices and homes throughout our community. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year…

… At least, for most of us.

Financial pressure, high expectation and the inability of being with loved ones can spell trouble for anyone, but especially those prone to depression. To make matters worst, those who are feeling down at this time of the year often think themselves abnormal and inadequate for feeling as such.

Here are some tips to avoid depression during the holidays:

1. Keep your expectations modest.
2. Do something different.
3. Lean on your support system.
4. Don’t assume the worst.
5. Forget the unimportant stuff. 
6. Volunteer.
7. Head off problems.
8. Ask for help — but be specific.
9. Don’t worry about things beyond your control. 
10. Make new traditions.
11. Find positive ways to remember loved ones.
12. Forget about the perfect gift.
13. Shop online.
14. Stick to a budget and don’t feel guilty about it!
15. Exercise and eat sensibly
16. If you see a therapist, have extra meetings
    

As for the rest of us, let our focus be on helping others during the holidays. You never know what a person is going through. The old lady you see struggle with her bags at the grocery store may be alone for Christmas. Help her by walking her to her car and giving her some attention. The young man who seems out of it at church and who you may assume is on drugs might just be this way because he just lost a loved one. Give him a hug! Ask him what’s wrong. And if he is on drugs, why not try to help him?

There are countless ways to brighten someone’s day. Be jolly!

1. Visit a retirement home.
2. Volunteer to deliver Christmas Baskets.
3. Send a letter to an overseas soldier.
4. Give a toy to a homeless child.
5. Join the Carolers and go sing door to door.
6. Reach out to a family in need.
7. Write a letter to your mailman.
8. Send out Christmas Cards.
9. Help the Make a Wish Foundation.
10. Donate to the Children’s Christmas Fund.
11. Commit to random acts of kindness! 

Remember: THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER, IS SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR.