I think that whether or not we end up alone for the holidays we all at least have a certain amount of stress and depression. What are some of your ways of coping with holiday loneliness or stress?

I get myself a nice advent calendar - the kind with gifts (lego calendars are great). It puts a smile on my face for at least a little part of my day

I go to the dollar store and make 5 little gift bags. I drop them on the doorsteps of my neighbours.

What little things or ideas do you have for beating holiday Depression?

Originally Posted by rcat

I think that whether or not we end up alone for the holidays we all at least have a certain amount of stress and depression. What are some of your ways of coping with holiday loneliness or stress?

I get myself a nice advent calendar - the kind with gifts (lego calendars are great). It puts a smile on my face for at least a little part of my day

I go to the dollar store and make 5 little gift bags. I drop them on the doorsteps of my neighbours.

What little things or ideas do you have for beating holiday Depression?

I will be alone for Christmas, it looks like. Other times I would spend the day riding the bike. At least it's a paid day off for me. Though I had some Christmases when it rained; and it was rough.

[Skeezyks]

The Skeezyks does not do holidays...

[Fizzyo]

I'm very lucky with my family etc. I try to count these blessings however low I feel, I know so many people are isolated or have unhappy families.
I try to question whether all the 'must dos' or 'must eats' are necessary or what I/we really want to do, especially if I'm catering.
((((((everyone who reads this))))))

[vital]

Originally Posted by Skeezyks

The Skeezyks does not do holidays...

Hi Skeezyks,

I'm doing some family stuff this year, but I actually like being alone for the holidays too. It's so nice and quiet. Great for concentrating or starting something new or just resting.

- vital

[*Laurie*]

I love your ideas, rcat.

[Cat_Lover_58]

I love these ideas.

I want to drop cards and a few goodies to a few of my neighbors. Salina for always asking how my day is going. She is just a nice friendly woman who struggles financially as I do.

Johnny looks out for us (my daughters and myself) and we've shared a few laughs over our more unsavory neighbors. Some have, thankfully, moved out. Anyway...

I like the idea of taking some warm, cotton socks or mittens to the women and young children in one of our local shelters.

[Marla500]

some good ideas here! It's such a nice feeling to share a little something. I love waking up on Christmas morning and picturing a kid opening a present I donated. I can't afford a lot but I try to pick out something really good and it makes me so happy to think of him or her playing with it!

[Nammu]

I live in a low income complex, a persons income must be below a certain amount to rent. It's mostly working class and disabled, not too many kids here. They have a Christmas party every year and have toys for the kids and I buy a toy or two to donate. Maybe this year I could go to the party, it's for everyone I just never go. The last 2 years I went to home state but I can't this year.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by sidestepper

I live in a low income complex, a persons income must be below a certain amount to rent. It's mostly working class and disabled, not too many kids here. They have a Christmas party every year and have toys for the kids and I buy a toy or two to donate. Maybe this year I could go to the party, it's for everyone I just never go. The last 2 years I went to home state but I can't this year.

Aw, yeah, go to the party!

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

There is no Christmas.