Christmas and new year survival support group

[aprilmoon]

I've discovered I'm not alone in struggling at this time of year,when the days have suddenly become short,and dark,and Christmas and New Year just around the corner.
It seems everyone is excited and looking forward to it,although I'm sure that's not the case.
Let's help each other through it.

[.Poppy.]

Okay

I actually love New Years - it's my favorite holiday. Christmas is my least favorite. Kind of funny that they are so close together being that they are at such extremes for me.

But a support group is an excellent idea.

[Annie0904]

I'm in

[Carnation]

Hooray!! I though you were kidding??? I will be addicted to this thread. It will be my medication and savior. Thanks Aprilmoon.

[ray52]

Heard my first Christmas song today on the radio arrrrrh and thought hear we go again thought I was just a misery this time of year (perhaps I still am ).

I'm in too

[Sunflower2]

Woo support group! I feel like such a grinch, I hate new year so much... So much alocohol and money and feeling awful on New Years day.. Which is meant to be a fresh start but people give up on their New Years resolutions after 1 week... And christmas has become just an excuse to go crazy in shops, did anyone see the news today?! Such crazy crazy people - a new television will not solve your problems! It's so dark this time of year too, which makes me depressed and with limited ability to leave my house as I hate driving in the dark!

But, together we will get through this and maybe even be able to enjoy ourselves

[Annie0904]

Kimberley I hate driving in the dark too and next Thursday is my husbands works party and I have to take him to a town 14 miles away and drive right to the middle of the town...so not looking forward to it :(

[Sunflower2]

Oh I do not envy you! I've been driving home from work in the dark for the past few weeks now though and it's actually been ok because I've been concentrating so much on the road..

Could you practice the road at all in the evenings? At least in the town there is street lights!

[Fishmanpa]

I know that the holidays are a rough time for a lot of people regardless of anxiety. It was for me for many years as I was alone. I had family but all the commercials of happy couples and gatherings just got under my skin.

Then came my Chiquita Now, especially since I proposed and she said yes last Christmas morning (great story!), it's become something very personal and special to me and to us. While I don't care for the commercialism, crowded stores, and all the rest of the "business" of Christmas and the holidays, I do look forward to having some time off to spend with my wife. We cook something special (typically lamb) and enjoy some quiet personal time.

For those of you that dread the holidays, may I suggest you find something you enjoy and associate with the holiday. Maybe it's a time to take a few days vacation or perhaps you can start a personal tradition that makes you feel good. It doesn't have to be a "Christmas" thing. It can be anything that brings a smile to your face and joy to your heart. Volunteer at a soup kitchen helping those less fortunate or spend time at an animal shelter with puppies, kittens, dogs and cats.

Here's to making this time of year something more pleasant.

Positive thoughts

[mark84]

I don't mind Christmas but I absolutely hate the new year, it doesn't feel 5 mins since the last time and it just emphasises how quickly time passes :(