Blue Christmas

     During the current holiday season, many people will be confronted with the holiday blues, the Christmas blues, whatever you want to title the condition.  Usually this is because people are alone during the holidays, or perhaps down on their luck with no revenue to spend on presents.  Maybe they are even homeless.  There are an astounding number of families who are homeless in our country.  Whatever the cause, people become blue, sad, unhappy, and at the worst, depressed at Christmas time.
      I always have compassion for people who are sad during this season where we are expected to be joyous and filled with love for everyone.  But you know, the expectations placed on all of us are quite high.  Not only do we have our regular jobs to perform, we now are burdened with additional shopping, which means additional expenses.  Have you checked the price of toys lately?  How about the cost of electronic games, etc.?  The bill for one shopping spree could definitely place one in a blue mood.
      Oddly enough, I am feeling a bit blue myself.  I'm not alone, I'm not homeless, I'm not broke or down on my luck, but I am experiencing a touch of the blues.  The reason is, I miss my family.  Both my parents are gone, my grandmothers are gone (I never knew my grandfathers), all my aunts and uncles have passed, and I find myself being the elder.  I have no syblings or children, except for my furchildren.  While I have my wonderful cousin and her family, they are in Virginia.  And I miss them a lot.
      I think the reason I am blue is because I recently returned from a visit, so the experience is fresh.  Hence, I miss my family.  I have decorated the house, but I don't have anyone to show it to.  So I send pictures to my cousin and post on Facebook...Yes, I am having a pity party!  So, I am reminding myself about how much worse my life could be.  Hey, I'm not homeless!  My two brother-in-laws and one sister-in-law are coming for Christmas dinner and the unwrapping of presents.  What do I have to complain about?  What reason do I have to be blue?  I don't have a decent reason...
      This year I will be more compassionate toward those who are sad.  I will give extra to the guy clanging that noisy bell for the Salvation Army.  I will be generous to the charities that solicit my funds, and do something special for a random stranger.  I can give my time to someone or something that will be of benefit to others.  I can get off this silly pitty party merry-go-round!
      The message here is:  get over myself and celebrate the reason for the season.  Love others as we want to be loved.  Be kind.  Be generous.  Seek joy in giving.  Praise God for all of my blessings, and pray for those in need.  I can do that!
                                                           HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS SEASON!!

---