[kebsfroggy]

Well, time to start celebrating the "holidays", whoopee!

Plaster that silly a@@ smile on your face and pretend you are enjoying yourself.

If you don't you will repeatedly get all "those" questions. You know the ones.
What's the matter?
Is there a problem?
Have you been crying again?
I'm sure it isn't as bad as you think?
Why can't you just enjoy the holidays like everyone else?

I'm sure you have your own to add to the list.

Next week I'm spending (US) Thanksgiving with my 2 sons and d-i-ls and 2 grandsons. It's the first time in over 10 years we have all celebrated a holiday together. Everything says I should be happy and somewhere inside I will try.

Truth is, it won't happen. I'll be the one walking around with a Kleenex in hand saying "allergies". I'll be the one who disappears to the restroom for awhile to have a good cry. I'll be the one with the smile on her face and tears in her eyes. It's rather pathetic when you think about it.

Why can't I enjoy the holiday like everyone else?

[Leed]

Hi ~ Jeez, I thought *I* was the only one who felt like that. I HATE the holidays. It brings back horrible memories of my childhood, and it super depresses me. Not only that, but I miss my deceased husband.

I've been depressed around the holidays since I was a child. In fact, I've just been depressed since I was a child - not just around the holidays.
My parents were both alcoholics, and while we were supposed to be celebrating a holiday, we kids were waiting for our parents to come home from the bar. Usually, they closed it up at 2am. and then they'd go out to eat at a truck stop. We always celebrated Christmas on X-mas eve - so us kids would be waiting for them to come home til about 4am to celebrate. Some Christmas with a pair of drunken parents. I can't shake that depression to this day, even tho I've had therapy.

I put on a good act too when my kids were growing up. But they're grown now - I don't need to act anymore. I HATE this time of year and I don't care who knows it. I just want to crawl in bed until it's over.

I'll be thinking of you. God bless. Hugs, Lee

[Rohag]

The holidays are upon us. Black Friday, Festivus, National Fruitcake Day...

Originally Posted by kebsfroggy

...I should be happy...I will try.

For me, this would be a recipe for disaster. I only catch glimpses of happiness when I’m not looking for it. The harder I strive for it, the farther it flees.

I won’t be attending a gathering early next month; haven’t in a long time. Were I to attend, well, I just don’t have the energy to pretend anything. I’d be the one walking around with a Kleenex in hand saying “persistent hyposerotonergic lachrymosity” (yes, I would avoid the “D” word). Every once in a while I’d excuse myself to deal with “prefontal secretomotor innervation of the lacrimal gland.” “Don’t worry; I’ll just be a few minutes. Keep on partyin’!”

Dear Kebsfroggy, may happiness find you this season in spite of the season.