Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! But this time of year can also yield bouts of depression, or “blues.” I’ve had the Christmas blues before. I truly am thankful for this time of year. As a Christian, it’s monumental gratitude to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Relationally, it’s a season of gratitude for kids, family, and church.  My Christmas Blues were just a funky cocktail of thankfulness and sadness. If you are having the blues, here are three things I’ve done. I am not a professional, just on a journey, sharing my story.
 December Christian Therapy. If you go once a week, that equates to four sessions. It’s probably the best Christmas gift you can give yourself because you’re gifting yourself purge and peace. Don’t have the resources for that this time of year? One idea: when asked what you want for Christmas, say, “a 4-pack counseling session.” If it will bring joy to you, it will bring joy to them to give it.
 Go to Church. One of the hardest things to see is someone who tells me they can’t go to church because they’re not in the mood (ie, the Christmas blues). This can not be because that is a lie being whispered to your soul! The FIRST place we should run to in our blues is God’s hospital, the church. There is a supernatural, healing, holistic experience awaiting you there, that ONLY God can offer. Yes you will have to miserably drag yourself there, but I promise, you will leave better than you came.
 GIVE. Give old clothes to the homeless, give donations to your church, give time to the elderly, give free babysitting to a single mom, give your time to people in the hospital or at halfway houses in addiction recovery. It’s true that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I would also add, it’s more healing. It’s the ultimate paradox: giving. away. fills. up. And that’s what a blue-depleted soul needs: a fill-up. I hope this encourages someone today. May you know His peace. And Merry Christmas.