Ah, the holidays are so tough! We don't have a lot of family that is emotionally close, and early November I started to experience some depression issues myself. Its always there in the background a bit during the holidays, but I try to stay busy and active with friends and events. I throw a party every year, it's been an annual party of ours for the last 12 years, and that helps a lot. I try to be thankful for what I do have and not focus on what I don't have, and I make it through another holiday season. Often I actually manage to get so busy during the holiday season that depression comes afterward, post holiday blues....I really just keep reaching out, and try to keep focus on the blessings...it's all I can do. Hang in there - this is a good group to stay in touch with during this time, too!

I tend to get depressed and that alone feeling around the holidays also. I do have family and we get together but the passing of my dad brings on depression in my mom around the holidays so sometimes she is not all that jolly and can say things that hurt. We all try to understand but my dad loved the holidays and all the family getting together so wish we could do it and enjoy it in his honor. Winter gives me the blues also. Busy time at work but sometimes very stressful so it helps to be busy in one way but the stress and rude people make it worse at other. I just keep telling myself it is not about money, do the best I can and try to keep a positive outlook on it.

I have never celebrated holidays with anyone.
They are meaningless to me. The only thing
that happens is the library and stores are closed,
making it difficult to find a restroom to use. I will
have to go to a casino for that, and it's a pain.

I would love to know how people do it too. Like your post a lot. It is a very sad (more sad time than normal) time. I am tying to think of where I can drive off to....to escape it. Any ideas?

I will save up some money get more massages and go to the clubs.

It's a hard time of year. I don't feel comfortable spending it with aquaintences. And my friends, I left back in another state when I took my wonderlust and travelled 3000mi away to live. I usually get something or plan an mini trip for myself for birthday and or Christmas. I put a tree up every year. last year it only had presents for my pets, but I enjoy them, and the big dog knows what Christmas is and knows how to open presents! the hard part is making him wait! just like kids lol
he knows the difference between his gifts and any people gifts that used to be under there. he learned how to open them form the rottie I had before him, and last year was my little chi dog's first, so she did't know how to open! this year she will know what it is. So that's how I entertain myself Christmas morning. it may sound or seem pathethic to some, but I actually enjoy it.

I have a new twist to the Christmas saga...My BIL sisters husband killed himself in front of her on the Saturday night before Christmas two years ago....it is a darn hard thing for her and she comes here for Christmas last two years....brought son and his family that first Christmas when it happened....had not seen my nephew for a long time and it was so frikkin sad for them all....having had their father or grandfather shoot himself in head right before Christmas....This year I think sister wants to try to be at home for Christmas but not sure how that will work out....

I get SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder or when the sun goes away I get depression....and I do not know what they call it but when the money goes away I get deeper depression....LOL
so far my involvement with a kind woman I started to date has taken some of that depression away....but no money just sucks....and I am kind of tight right now.....

hugs thanks for the topic....

I think they call it "MAD" billw

I try to enjoy my precious daddy and my nieces and nephews. It totally sucks cuz my son has not come for two years and won't speak to me. Stay busy find happiness where you can. Volunteer, work in a soup kitchen, donate toys for tots...peace to you.

You are not alone my dear. I can't believe that they start putting out Christmas stuff before Halloween has even got here. It totally drives me crazy. So instead of my anxiety starting in November or December, it starts in October! I have a really rough time during the holidays. Thank God for DS. Hugs

My dad died December 30th 2010. Some years are better than others. The second year was the hardest so far but this year seems to be a little rough already.

And my dad isn't the first one I lost in December. My mom's dad died December 8th my dad's step mom (the only gram I knew) died on Christmas day.

December isn't my favorite time of year if I think about the people gone. But I try to celebrate the people still here.

I bloody well hate the holidays. It just makes the depression worse and the cold fact of loneliness hurts that much more.

Then you always hear people that don't understand a thing about those that have depression and anxiety issues telling folks they don't know well or care about to go volunteer around this time of year. And then they go on their merry way and forget about ya. This time of year really seems to bring the phonies to the surface with their superficial love thy neighbor, help others rubbish. Too bad what they show is not real. They forget people and pets in need are still hungry and need help after 25 December.

There was a time when it took me a month to get all my decorations out and people came from afar to see my display. I'd be festive for months, making gift baskets for family, friends, and neighbors. Bake for days while listening to Christmas music. Not one single decoration or light was hung in the last couple of years. I've sold and donated my ridicules abundance of stuff. And honestly, I'm not sure if I'm happy or sad about it. It was a lot of work and not a big enough reward.... I wish everyone here a heart filled holiday season!

some times we have to do the holidays for others till we actually feel like doing so for ourselves..

At least people are better off if they actually have "others" that care especially at this time of year. People with no one would give a lot for just that. Someone actually going out of their way for ya cuz they really care, not because they view you as some pity case and think they are making points with God. Sitting through this plastic phony season of good cheer is very hard completely alone. I used to say I'd like to hibernate till it's spring, now I say I'd like to just take a pill and say good bye to this mostly sad and vile world.