By Lindsay Tigar Lindsay Tigar Instagram Website Lindsay is a freelance travel and lifestyle journalist covering topics from love, marriage, fitness, wellness, psychology, and entrepreneurism. Holidays & Entertaining Holidays 8 Ways to Cope If You Can't See Family and Friends This Holiday Season Celebrating alone or with a small group doesn't mean you can't embrace holiday cheer. But then, in the midst of great tragedy and seemingly silence from God, Longfellow comes back to what he knew was true, despite his great mourning: Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: 'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail. Meaning and purpose will begin to reinsert itself into the holiday experience. There's something deeply meaningful for almost everyone. Get away to a peaceful camp spot, even better. I hope you enjoy the following rendition of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" by Casting Crowns: And, as a bonus, here is another one of my "new" favorites: "Here with Us, " sung by Joy Williams. With Target transforming into holiday gift central, and Christmas songs rising as trending TikTok sounds, it can seem like the whole world is united under this holiday. Note: A version of this post was originally posted over at the 'Meant to be Happy' community. I don't feel like celebrating christmas this year 2016. I did it all, all the way through my young adult years. I don't feel like celebrating.
"If you're lonely yourself there is lots of helpful advice and support on our Let's Talk Loneliness website. A few of these reasons can include depression, anxiety, or stress. I don't feel like celebrating christmas this year. Since we chose not to celebrate Christmas this past year, we've had to get creative and be intentional about creating other opportunities for us to spend time with our families in a manner that is pleasing to God. Keep a structure or routine. Some people dread the work and obligations that the holidays bring.
I love this one - Bake some cookies. If you're experiencing the holiday blues due to the loss, for whatever reason, of someone you loved, it can be difficult to "get over it" when the holidays are so focused on togetherness and love. You know, the ones that society place on us, and that we often place upon ourselves. And specifically, God with you.
Similarly, we chose to skip the 30C heat, not put up a Christmas tree or to attend our family Christmas festivities. The holidays are times when many older adults may feel more isolated and alone than during any other time of year. It might not be the same as face-to-face interaction, but it can certainly help to ease the pangs of loneliness. How to Entertain Kids During Holidays Without Using Screen Time Other Ways to Reframe the Holiday Season The holidays are a busy time of year in general, but for families who don't celebrate Christmas, they may feel on the periphery of that particular type of hubbub. A Word From Verywell If Christmas isn't the focal point of your year, know that you are not alone. This holiday is an opportunity to see family that many take advantage of. I don't feel like celebrating christmas this year 2017. RELATED: 14 Inexpensive Homemade Gifts That Feel Extra Special 04 of 08 Honor your grief. "You could schedule a virtual cookie-making class with your mom or bake your grandparents goodies, " Hagar suggests.
This, in turn, can cause anyone to not feel the Christmas spirit. Whether it's going ice skating as a group or building a living room fort and watching a favorite movie, returning to the same activity year after year will help carve concrete memories for your children that can undoubtedly last a lifetime. After a lazy breakfast at the hotel, we watched a basketball game at Madison Square Garden, then finished the day walking through a snow-laden Central Park. Next year, you may feel differently… and that is absolutely okay. If your sadness or holiday blues are causing problems or disruption with your work, your relationships, or your family, it's time to seek assistance. A November survey by professional services firm Deloitte found that more Americans are deciding to stay home between Thanksgiving and mid-January, with intent to travel down 26% compared to a year ago. Why would a holy God choose to not only be born in, but to dwell in a heart like mine? Not Everyone Enjoys the Holidays. Someone who was true Royalty, who should have chosen and been given the finest hospital with the best doctors money could buy, the best luxuries afforded to man; yet this Holy God CHOSE the dirt laden floors of a stable. Who thinks of tree shopping or treat baking when toddlers are dying from mouldy, neglected flats? Adoptive families come in all shapes and sizes, religious, racial and cultural combinations. Where do I even start to try to clean out a spot for celebrating Christmas this year? Each family composition offers opportunities to celebrate the holidays in many ways. As we got older, our family still observed the holiday, however, they were trying to make the day more about the components that matter: family and love. Connect virtually or through online forums.
Even if you're not in charge of all the events and activities, you can feel overwhelmed simply having to go and attend all of these functions. You could even make holiday cards or 'thinking of you' cards to deliver to nursing homes or hospitals. " Losses, grief, and pain cause us to change as human beings. If you skip the holiday and realize it might not have been the best decision, cut yourself a break. Ever since the year of her fiancé's death, she has never seen Christmas in the same way because she associates it with the death of the one she loved. 6 Things to Consider Before You Skip the Holidays. You can always do things differently next year! Making family traditions. It is important to be informed about winter holidays to understand other people's customs, which they might do in addition, or instead of Christmas. And for those whose families are missing a member, it can be challenging to celebrate a holiday when a major player has passed away. If you feel that you haven't been able to process your grief and still don't want to celebrate after much time has passed it might be time to reach out for support. Stop the press and make it make sense. On top of all of that, we're currently dealing with a chronically / seasonally sick pet (manageable, but hard work and energy-sapping, and not getting better in the short term), and with having moved into a new home that has had a bunch of issues that we've had to solve, which have caused quite a bit of friction and cost quite a lot of money. The blues will give way to gratitude (if not completely at least a little).
There is no room in the fancy inn of my human desires; and gladly so. No surprise, there are moments when your best option feels like skipping the holidays completely—and we totally support this plan. If money is tight, schedule phone calls or events where you can virtually sing songs, tell funny stories from the past, and stay in touch. How to Celebrate Christmas When You Don’t Feel Like Celebrating. Relax in a bathtub, read your favourite book, go for a walk, or listen to music.
Originally published by The Old Schoolhouse®. Take a look at some ideas below... - Volunteer with the charity Re-Engage and speak with elderly people who are spending the season alone. And make your Christmas holiday season more enjoyable, happier and meaningful this year.