Notes from the Spring Creek Arts Guild

The Holiday Season Hits Different for Some

I had an email from a business acquaintance the other day telling me that this time of year is usually difficult for her so she goes out of town for a week or two around Christmas. She did not elaborate as to why Christmas is difficult; then again, there may not be a specific reason. As autumn deepens and winter begins—on Thursday, December 23 this year—many people begin to experience difficulty. On top of that there is an expectation that everyone is going to be “festive” this time of year and spend lots of time with friends and family, which makes the struggling person feel really out of step with the rest of the world and even more isolated.

The Winter Solstice, the first day of winter, is the shortest daylight of the year. We are fortunate to live in a place that has ten hours of daylight on that day, that amount shrinks as you go north. We are also fortunate to live in a place where many winter days are sunny and plenty comfortable enough temperature-wise to get out and soak up some of that sunshine. The lack of light can be a huge factor in a low mood.

December and January bring more reports of illness and obituaries on the radio. Nature can seem very sad to many people with the trees losing their leaves and plants dying or going dormant with the frost. It is hard for many of us to realize who is no longer there at the Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table with us.

I really am not trying to bring anyone down, but am trying to remind everyone that we need to pay attention to ourselves and the people around us. Be kind to yourself and others. Take care of yourself and of others. If you feel out of step with all of the festivities, please do not get the idea that something is wrong with you. Instead, acknowledge what you are thinking and feeling and start from there to take care of yourself. What works for me is to DO something. Here are some examples: Go for a walk outside; love on a dog or a cat or a donkey or some other warm fluffy animal; clean up and organize your living space or even one room; finish something that has been nagging at you like folding that load of towels or clearing out your garden or flower beds; make something like a real meal or something crafty and beautiful; listen to some music and maybe sing or dance along; talk to God, as in pour out your heart; get a blank notebook and pen and write whatever is on your mind—write it over and over if you want—I promise it helps. I often combine a few of those, like go for a walk and take a dog then talk to God right out loud as I walk—of course I live in the country so no worries about alarming other people. Eat healthier than you usually do and try to avoid most alcohol and other such things. I know they can make you feel better temporarily, but it is quite temporary and can actually make things much worse.

Above all, BE KIND TO YOURSELF. Somebody, and likely lots of somebodies, loves you. God loves you whether you believe in him or not; He certainly believes in you. Please take care of yourselves and the people around you. The next time you hear from me it will be about time to start the annual Sketchbook Challenge, so be thinking if you would like to join me in that—that will give you something to look forward to after the busy-ness of the holiday season.