It was the best of times it was the worst of times. (from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens) The Christmas season can definitely feel that way when we go through hard times. Every one around is happy and joyful and it feels like we should be too. But it is important to do Christmas differently when it feels hard.

I don’t know what’s on your mind today and why it’s hard. Maybe it’s because illness has been a big part of this season in your life and you are feeling overwhelmed. Maybe it’s because you are in financial hardship and affording warm clothes let alone Christmas presents sounds like a nightmare. Or maybe there has been a loss of someone you love. Experiencing that loss has caused so much sorrow and when you think about the empty chair at the table or your empty arms you get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach.

Whatever it is that is causing that sadness in the pit of your stomach. You are not alone. You’re on my heart today and I want to share with you some important things to do to ease the strain during this time.

Here are some things to think about…

Honor Your Feelings

Sometimes we try to push out or pretend those feelings don’t exist because everyone around us is happy and we think we should be happy too. But that really doesn’t help. It is important to take the time to acknowledge those feelings. It’s ok to talk to a friend about them or journal about them. It is important to take care of yourself in this way.

Do It Easier

Caring for yourself in this time also means being realistic about what events you go to and what people you are around. Be careful to choose the experiences that mean the most to you. Don’t run yourself raggid. Make sure you plan in plenty of down time.

Caring for yourself in this time also means being realistic about what events you go to and what people you are around. Be careful to choose the experiences that mean the most to you. Don’t run yourself raggid. Make sure you plan in plenty of down time.

Take Care of Your Needs

Times that feel hard are especially taxing on our body and our minds. So it is doubly important to draw attention to your self-care. This means eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, and drawing attention to your other needs.

Be Honest with Others

Don’t try to fit yourself into a mold that you cannot do right now. Be honest with the people closest to you about what is doable during this season and what you cannot do. Think of ways that others can help and support you. Let them know these ways that they can help you.

Prepare What to Say:

Tired of answering the question, “How are you doing?” Think through what you want to tell others when they ask that, so you can answer in a way that you are comfortable and divulges just the amount of information you want to.

Incorporate a New Activity or Tradition to Honor the Loss or Person You Lost.

Think of a way to incorporate what you are going through into you everyday activities.

Find the Good:

Look for a 2 or 3 things that are positive to focus your mind on each day. If you have faith in God, look for ways that you seem him speaking to you and showing you his presence.

Friend, this can be such a hard time. But know that there is joy that can be found amidst the hardship. There are ways to take care of yourself to ease the strain and incorporate the relationships you need during this hard season.