[mgran]

I just wanted to say to everyone that I know this time of year can be rough for many of us... and to wish everyone as happy a Christmas as possible. I wish you all courage and strength, and the pig headedness to face down any negative voices, feelings or urges.

We can get through this, and we will. The winter is always darkest when Spring is just around the corner.

(((hugs to everyone.)))

[Tosspot]

I know this doesn't havce anything to do with the holidays exactly- but the days start getting longer on Thursday!!

[AniManiac]

Originally Posted by mgran

I just wanted to say to everyone that I know this time of year can be rough for many of us... and to wish everyone as happy a Christmas as possible. I wish you all courage and strength, and the pig headedness to face down any negative voices, feelings or urges.

We can get through this, and we will. The winter is always darkest when Spring is just around the corner.

(((hugs to everyone.)))

Technically, winter is darkest next week during the Winter Solstice, when the days are shortest!

Thanks for the good wishes. I get a bit isolated during the holidays because everyone is on break from university, and there are no normal activities or events that otherwise give me a reason to get out of the house and get a little social interaction. But it will be fine.

[MissMousey]

Yule brings with it the longest night and shortest day this year December 22nd...yes...the winter solstice is a time to celebrate the return of the light! The days begin to grow longer again...yay to more sunlight, and warmth...brightest blessings to fellow pagans...and happy holidays for everyone no matter what your belief system entails...(I am still blah...lol...but I do with everyone has a great holiday)

[unaluna]

Originally Posted by Tosspot

I know this doesn't have anything to do with the holidays exactly- but the days start getting longer on Thursday!!

Umm - I think it has EVERYTHING to do with the holidays exactly! historically speaking! the world is not ending, the "gods" are not angry with us, the sun is coming back!

[Aslan]

Originally Posted by AniManiac

Technically, winter is darkest next week during the Winter Solstice, when the days are shortest!

Thanks for the good wishes. I get a bit isolated during the holidays because everyone is on break from university, and there are no normal activities or events that otherwise give me a reason to get out of the house and get a little social interaction. But it will be fine.

hi ilost £400 gambling today ,so wontfeel bad, xmas ruined, now I feel better,mental illness,xmas spending sucks,real message is lost

[Tosspot]

I should have specified *Christian holidays* hehe, I just convinced my boyfriend to let me bring in a tree from outside to celebrate the sun He's Jewish and is anti-anything-Christmas. Just finished putting paper snowflakes on all my windows. Next I think I'll hang them from the ceiling

[unaluna]

I was just in my cavewoman mode!

[Tosspot]

Sometimes I think I should have been born in the cave-days, I would have done so much better Now i'm on to paper chains.... with GLITTER!

[SunAngel]

Thank you so much for this. The holidays haven't been the same since my parents passed away. Just a few months ago, we lost our little boy (Our cocker spaniel) and it is going to be worse this year.

I appreciate your kind words. I have missed you.

[mgran]

Hi Sunangel, I remember you lost your dog friend... I know it still hurts. My dog friend Berty died four years ago, and sometimes I miss him as much as my husband, who died around the same time. And people think I'm being disrespectful by valuing an animal life in the same way I do a human life! But I do believe that our friends will be waiting for us when the time comes. Nothing is ever forgotten, nobody is lost forever. (((hug))) Blessings to everyone here... Happy Hanuka TP... I'm waiting for a mezzuzah to arrive, it's a silver pendant to be worn around the neck. I used to have one on the door, but it was vandalised, so I decided to wear one instead.

[Tosspot]

So sorry about that mgran! That's awful, we have one on our front door. The one on our sliding door is actually right inside, (our door is inside out there's no room) I know its supposed to be on the outside but maybe you could cheat a little for vandals sake?

SunAngel, I'll echo what mgran said. When we lose people on/around holidays it makes the holidays so difficult. For me, I started to replace the sad feelings with good memories. I lost someone very dear to me on Thanksgiving 2002. Its taken a while, but the pain has eased off since I have started new traditions, and allowing myself to enjoy the family and friends still with me. I set aside a "mourning time" only about 30 minutes, where I take my time to be in silence, honor him, and respect his absence. Having that time has made it easy to be happy for the rest of the holiday.

[sillyfab]

Originally Posted by MissMousey

Yule brings with it the longest night and shortest day this year December 22nd...yes...the winter solstice is a time to celebrate the return of the light! The days begin to grow longer again...yay to more sunlight, and warmth...brightest blessings to fellow pagans...and happy holidays for everyone no matter what your belief system entails...(I am still blah...lol...but I do with everyone has a great holiday)

YAY PAGANS!
Definitely celebrating the return of the light this year!
)

[Alone&Abandoned]

Originally Posted by Tosspot

I know this doesn't havce anything to do with the holidays exactly- but the days start getting longer on Thursday!!

LOL, nice!!

but is it just me, or are the holidays giving anybody else an extreme rollarcoaster ride of mania --> depression nd back again? just wondering

[Tosspot]

I'm wavering just outside the "normal range" of emotion. I seem to be more "on edge" the littlest things seem to be sending me spiraling out of control and fast. Hadn't really thought of it. Thanks Alone&Abandoned!