Christmas is a season of expectation.

“Twas the night before Christmas…” is one of them.

“I’m so excited Johnny is coming home from college I can hardly stand it.”

“This is going to be something special. Ever since my son/brother/(whoever) moved across the country, I haven’t seen them. But they are coming back for Christmas.”

Not those kinds of expectations.

My recent post triggered some great comments from people, people whom I daresay understand the whole “holiday blues” far better than I do. I’ve asked my friend, Melanie, if I may use her comment as a “jumping off” point. Here is her comment:

This is such an important topic. I would love to hear a sermon on it, but never have. Our expectations are such a big part of the problem. I have kept hoping for an idyllic Christmas when that makes no sense. The second problem is memory. I remember holidays like most people do–they’re seared into my memory. I think we can fix this by recognizing that amidst any negative memories were some positives. We just ignored them. We can also stop believing that the best Christmases are behind us. Finally, we can be proactive in creating a meaningful Christmas despite the imperfections. We can invite someone new over as you suggest. We can travel. We can arrange to spend time with those who don’t tear us down. I have felt like I *have* to see certain people, but I don’t. The truth is, every single day is Christmas–God with us. That means it will be ok!

This is such spot on advice (you’d think she was a counselor). Oops she was. 🙂 Now her website is psychowith6. Take a moment to digest Melanie’s advice. So practical! Down-to-earth.

I’m not trying to run this into the ground. I just feel we need to know how to help ourselves and others. I hope Melanie’s “advice” can help you with reaching out to others or as the saying goes, “Physician, heal thyself.”

Did Melanie’s words help you see more clearly?