December 1st, 2019
As the years roll by, some of us are guilty of assuming an Ebenezer Scrooge persona, exclaiming Bah humbug at the merest mention of the holidays (though we may not go as far as Scrooge, and sentence someone to being boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.)
The problem comes down to this: we think we’re supposed to be exceptionally happy this time of year, but the reality of aging and mounting loneliness can cause us to become sad or depressed. And older adults and caregivers are especially susceptible to the holiday blues.
Its true that the holidays may not be the same as when we were young, but there can still be plenty of reasons to celebrate. One of the most important things to remember is that it’s okay to enjoy the holidays as they are in the here and now. Certainly, old memories will always hold a special place in your heart, but that doesnt mean there cant be enough room to add new ones.
Understanding what exactly is triggering your gloomy feelings during the winter season is key to helping you find ways to cope and feel better.
STRESS OVER TOO MUCH TO DO
Pressure from family and friends to continue holiday celebrations the same way they have been done in the past can be a prime stress contributor. Nothing can ruin a holiday faster than having too much on your plate, especially for caregivers, who are already busier than the average person. Adding decorations, holiday meals, and shopping to the mix is enough to make anyone say Bah, humbug.
Here are a few suggestions for preventing yourself from feeling overwhelmed and cranky:
FINANCIAL PRESSURE
Money matters are another notorious source of stress during the holidays, especially among seniors with fixed budgets. When spending increases which it always does, for things like gifts, holiday meals and heating take a moment to consider these methods for coping with financial worries:
DEATH DURING THE HOLIDAYS
One of the biggest challenges for families is losing a loved one. Whether the loss is recent or it occurred a decade ago, this time of year often highlights absences and brings intense feelings of grief, loneliness and emptiness. Sadly, you may even feel guilty if you find yourself having a good time.
Even innocent gestures, such as receiving a holiday card addressed to your late loved one, may spur feelings of sorrow. However it can also be upsetting when family and friends go out of their way to not mention your loved ones name.
Its important to remind yourself that these feelings are all normal, and that by talking about how you feel with a loved one you can find it easier to get through these tough times. Even better, by paying special tribute to your loved one during the holidays you can ease some of your pain. Consider the following ways to honor someone youve lost:
AVOIDING HOLIDAY DEPRESSION
A word to the wise: dont wait for depression to happen to act on it. While not being too hard on yourself is a good place to start, there are various other approaches that can help prevent and minimize the symptoms of depression. Here a few preemptive ways to help stave off the holiday blues:
Always remember that the real meaning of the holidays is sort of wrapped up the whole Ebenezer Scrooge A Christmas Carol experience: be thankful for what you had in the past, what you have in the present, and also what the future will bring. If you remain honest with yourself and maintain realistic expectations, you can skip the Bah humbugs and instead go with Tiny Tims famous refrain: God bless us, everyone!