Eight Ways to Beat the
Blues at Christmas
By Poppy Smith
Instead
of a houseful of kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying,
playing with toys and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will
be home alone for Christmas. My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I
am glad that all of them will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their
in-laws. After all, we are usually the ones who get that privilege!
But—it’s
easy to be sucked down into a “poor me” mindset and play the blues, unless we
decide tochange our perspective. So here are eight simple ways to help you enjoy the
holidays whether you’re physically or emotionally alone. Why not join me and
let’s beat those blues which aren’t where God wants us at this special time
of the year—or at any time!
· Sing. Play music. Listen to the words
and join in praising God. Singing is a guaranteed mood lifter and perspective changer.
“Sing for joy to God our strength” Ps.81:1.
· Smile. Smile at little children. Their harried
moms. The older shoppers who are trying to find just the right present. Make
smiling your chosen expression (not through gritted teeth, however!). It will
make you feel so much better and maybe lift up another lonely soul.
· Invite. Is there someone you haven’t had time
for this past year? Could you suggest meeting for coffee, lunch, or even over
to your home? Perfection isn’t needed—only a loving heart that looks beyond
it’s own world.
· Rest. Remember all those too early mornings
when you longed to just stay in bed? Now’s your chance. Take time to read a
book of the Bible or several psalms. Choose a special book, magazine, or
television program. Make or buy some once in a year yummy treats and ENJOY
this gift of time!
· Give gifts to others. Go online and look for simple Christmas
recipes. Make peppermint candy or a cranberry loaf and go drop it off at a
homeless shelter or place that serves those without a home. Change your
perspective from looking inward to looking outward—as God our Savior did when
He gave us the most amazing gift of love any one can receive.
· Write a list of your blessings. Think back over this past year. Even if
it has been one of the most difficult you’ve experienced, ask God’s Spirit to
show you where He was present, loving and supporting and guiding you through.
He will show you something and lift your heart.
· Go to a Christmas Eve Service. Even if you’re by yourself, don’t miss
the presence of God amidst the beauty of this celebration. Let your senses
feast on the beauty, your ears delight in the music, your heart be moved to
new heights of gratitude and love.
· Pray about your dreams for 2012. What do you want to see happen in the
coming year? Have you thought about changes you want to make? New paths to
walk? Write out what comes to mind when you think of taking better care of
yourself physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. (See my
video: Take Care of Yourself, …….. or check my website on the media clips
page).
May
your “Home Alone” Christmas fill you with joy and a fresh awareness that
Christ is with you, whether you’re surrounded by people or peacefully alone.
Author
Bio
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With her fun personality and passion for communicating
life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually
and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person)
uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She
encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of
situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an
American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair
seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former
Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at
their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing
hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.
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1) it’s used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you notify
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