It's so strange--as a child (and even later!), the holidays were my very favorite time of year, especially Christmas. Yes, I admit I loved the presents and the good food, but it was more than that. It seemed magical. The Christmases I spent with my family are some of my happiest memories. Even when I did get into screaming fights with my cousins, lol!

Now I dread the holidays, particularly--you guessed it!--Christmas. I feel soooo lonely at Christmas. (Also, altho I've never been diagnosed with it, I suspect I might have a mild form of Seasonal Affective Disorder.) My dad died 3 years ago from Alzheimer's , so now it's just my dear 84-year-old mom, my beloved 2-year-old kitty, and me. Our nearest relatives live 250 miles away--we used to visit my grandparents every Christmas but all of them are gone now. So usually we celebrate Christmas at home.

Also I have no brothers or sisters, I am 56, unmarried and have no children. I always feel like I got left out somehow--virtually everyone I know has been married and has kids and even grandchildren now--I usually feel miserable around Christmas-time. I know I'm lucky to have a good home, and my mom and kitty, but then I start worrying about "What will I do once they too are gone??" I don't think I could bear it!!!

I know a lot of ppl feel glum around the holidays. How do you deal with those feelings? Is there anything you do that makes you feel better?

I would welcome any and all suggestions because I want to be able to enjoy Christmas again!!