What Can Turn the Holiday Blues into Holiday Happiness?

For those who have lost a child, the holiday season can sometimes not only prove sad and lonely but depressing. Amid the turkey, collard greens, sweet potato pies, sparkling lights, and gifts, we may experience depression simply because we miss our children.

In a journal entry dated November 22, 2002, I wrote: “Today, I woke feeling lonely and distressed. It is the holiday season again, and I have never gotten accustomed to the stress of events. In my heart I give thanks, but I want to be alone with my thoughts. Amid all the activity, I am missing my child. I can’t hold back tears. It is so hard. God help me. I need to begin again.”

I would like to share steps that, over the years, have helped me overcome and turn holiday sadness, loneliness, and depression into holiday happiness.

Step 1 - Give a gift to a child or a charitable organization in memory of your child. Many charities at this time of year encourage giving to others. Many children have no one to provide them with gifts and many children who have a family are not able to receive gifts during the holidays. Somehow, when we help others, it takes the focus from ourselves. "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40 NIV)

Step 2 - Spend time alone to reflect. Getting away from activity can help organize our thoughts. Jesus found it necessary to get away from the crowds. "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:16 NIV)

Step 3 - Share your sadness with someone you trust. "A burden can seem lighter when shared. Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 NLT)

Step 4 - Write a journal entry about what you are feeling. Over the years, journaling has brought and continues to bring great healing to my life. I often reflect on my journey from pain to peace as Heavenly Father continues the healing process of my fragmented soul. "Write down for the record everything I have said to you." (Jeremiah 30:2 NLT)

Step 5 - Feel like having a good cry? Let the tears flow. Heavenly Father sees our tears and promises to heal us. "I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you." (2 Kings 29:5 NIV)

Step 6 - Pray for someone you know who is going through a difficult time. God created us to be blessings wherever we go on this earth. When we pray for others, we are extending His love and concern for them, and it takes the focus from ourselves. "Pray for each other so that you may be healed." (James 5:16 NLT)

Nothing will ever replace the emptiness in my heart for my child. However, over the years, these steps have allowed me to enjoy holiday activity and to especially focus on the rich spiritual significance associated with the holidays.

Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me. During this holiday season, please fill me each day with the gift of Your peace, comfort, and happiness, in Jesus name, amen.

~

© 2017 The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc. First featured on CBN.com on 11/10/2017. Written by Merle Mills. All rights reserved. 

Scripture, as noted, is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture, as noted, is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.