There's another side of that coin, however. I've always felt a tug at my heart for the person who must spend Christmas alone. Memories are terrific but they can go only so far in assuaging the pang of loneliness. Take heart, dear Friends. There are ways to get through the holidays with joy. It takes some effort, but try this:
- Be pro-active about scheduling events with loved ones or friends. It doesn't have to be elaborate. It can be meeting someone for coffee or having them over for a simple dessert (that you buy, not bake).
- Resist the temptation to indulge in a pity-party for yourself. It happens to the best of us. Don't let that ugly monster grab you around the throat.
- Worship God who loved you enough to send his Child to save this messed up world.
- Every day, list five or more things you are grateful for. Gratitude is the basis for joy.
- Enjoy good holiday movies and specials on tv, but if they add to your sadness stick to comedy.
- If you can get out, attend a holiday performance or two. Churches and schools put on lovely programs this time of year.
- Read the Christmas story from Luke chapter two frequently during the holidays.
- Connect with people. Serve.
- If you're homebound and feel isolated, read about Kathryn Koob. She was an American hostage in Iran in the early 1980s and found herself spending two Christmases in a lonely cell. Nevertheless, she set up a place to worship God. She fashioned a tiny cross out of gum wrappers. That became part of her Christmas decorations. Read about it in my blog post from last December: http://sueraatjes.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-alone.html
- There's another post about Kathryn Koob celebrating Christmas. Read here: http://sueraatjes.blogspot.com/2014/12/easter-in-december.html
Christmas blessings to you, my Friends, whether you're too busy or not busy enough.
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