Wow, so it’s officially twelve days until Christmas. It’s getting to be that crunch time where all those last minute details and shopping trips are being taken care of and we are preparing for all the holiday festivities that will soon be taking place. I sincerely hope that everyone has an amazing holiday season surrounded by those that are most important to you. But I have one short request for all of you. As you are taking part in all the holiday celebrations and enjoying all the great things in your life please keep in mind those that may not be feeling the holiday spirit to the fullest.
Please remember and most importantly reach out to those who:
· Might be experiencing the first Christmas since an important person in their life has passed. Send a card, give them a call, invite them to dinner, do something to let them know you are thinking of them as they are struggling to find the new normal to the holiday season. If that person is you, do what is right for YOU! Don’t let anyone tell you what you should be thinking or feeling, this situation is new to you and YOU need to do what is best for you. Sure there is the chance that you might offend someone, but doing what is right for you is more important than pleasing others right now!
· Struggling with another year of not being able to conceive. I wrote about this topic in a past post, and it’s not always something that everyone is aware of, as it’s a highly personal and emotional situation. Holidays can be very difficult for couples struggling with infertility. New babies might be at the celebrations, well meaning relatives might ask when they are going to add to the family etc. If you’re not sure of a couple’s situation, please keep your comments to yourself. If you are aware of their current struggles, ask them what would be helpful to get through the holidays. Sometimes all that woman needs is a good “buffer” from the aunt who can’t keep her comments to herself at the dinner table!!
· The veteran returning from war. Returning to civilian life can be a very difficult situation. Homecomings are extremely happy times for all involved. However for those returning from war, the transition home can take a considerable amount of time to adjust to a completely different way of life. This is not a topic I want to glaze over, but I feel that all the things that can go into about this situation need to be put in a post of it’s own. The bottom line, is remember that this person might be facing a very big struggle to adjust to life back home and to be patient with them and be supportive.
· All the people in your life going through a tough time, such as a divorce, a child who has moved away and spending their first Christmas away from home, someone who might be estranged from a family member or those that know this might be the last Christmas with a loved one. What it all boils down to is please be supportive and mindful of those that are facing new challenges this holiday season.
I do truly wish everyone the happiest of holidays and an incredible new year. But please stick this in the back of your mind as you head out for your holiday festivities, as you never know how much of an impact you do have on others and how you could make this holiday a little easier on someone you care about.
And as always, if you know someone who is really struggling and might benefit from help from a therapist, please give me a call. If I can’t assist you, I will point you in the right direction and assist you in getting the help that is needed! Merry Christmas everyone!!!
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