We all know that during the holidays, a lot of people get blue, and they get sad or downright depressed. It’s a hard time for many people. 

Maybe you had a horrible childhood and never really enjoyed the holidays because it was a time your parents got drunk and fought with each other. Maybe you got beatings or maybe you were too poor to afford any kind of Christmas.

Maybe you were like me and had an amazing childhood with memories of Italian food cooking in the kitchen. A house full of people, a fire in the fireplace while you laid on the couch watching the snowfall…a picture perfect Norman Rockwell picture.

I know for me, I miss those times and all the people who were in my life then, who now aren’t. That part truly hurts my soul, and sometimes it actually takes my breath away. It hurts so bad.

We may have a family who we no longer speak to due to disagreements that tore you apart. Maybe you have hard feelings that you can’t get past. Or maybe your family is spread out across the country, and you can’t be with them.

Maybe your kids are ungrateful and only want to see you to see what they can get from you.

Or maybe you’re missing your true love.

There are many reasons why we get blue in this holiday season, but I can attest that it is really hard to be festive when your heart is aching.

They say that the holiday season had the highest rates for suicide, as people who are already suffering from depression are pushed over the edge by the surrounding jollity that they feel they can’t share in. 

Sometimes our feelings are heightened because of loneliness (because “everyone” else has lovers, family or friends to spend the holiday with), and many are affected by seasonal affective disorder, due to the long nights and short days of mid-to-late December.

Whatever causes it, it doesn’t matter. What matters is how we deal with it. Some people overeat, some mask their pain with drugs and alcohol (that was a good one for me, for years)

Some people sleep around and do things they normally wouldn’t.

I pray…. a lot. I watch inspirational movies or YouTube videos. I think of how things used to be and how I prayed for the things I have today…I pray….did I say that already? Yeah, it’s because I do that a lot.

Prayer for me is what I do when I am lost, when I am broken, when life is going crazy and I realize I am not in control.

But to be honest, I pray all the time, not just when the shit is hitting the fan but when things are great. I pray even when I am happy, when my life seems perfect, even then I am praying and giving thanks.

For me this is what gets me through but don’t get it twisted I still have my moments, just because I am Christian does not exempt me from pain, in fact sometimes I think it gives us more.

I still have pity parties when I watch sad movies and cry. When I yell and question God while sobbing in the bathtub. Yes, I am real, and this is real life, and damn it, it sucks sometimes! It hurts like hell, and it’s not fair, but again… this is life.

So today, my friends, I am here to tell you, I get it. I know how you can have the holiday blues, how it can hurt so bad and how you sometimes think you can’t get through this holiday season but I am here to tell you, it will be okay.

If I can get through it, so can you, and if you think it’s too hard, just read my life story. Trust me, you will grab back your problems right quickly.

It will be okay. Just remember this anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.

Weeping may go on for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

**I know this is a tough time of the year, so I will be putting this number out there for all that needs it.

I have been there, and I know how dark it may seem, especially during the Christmas season. There is help, and it will get better… I am living proof of

“This too shall pass”**

Please get help. Call today:

National Suicide Hotline: 24/7

1-800-273-8255

“Be the change you want to see”