By Sandra Phillips

Speaker, author, CEO, SandraPhillipsPresents.com

For many people like Sharon Thomas (not her real name), the holiday season usually centers on family traditions – from large festive gatherings – mostly designed to pack on the pounds with food, folks and more food -- to quiet moments with your significant other. The hustle and bustle of the season keeps us busy with shopping, entertaining and eating too much. The time is such a busy time that we often are too exhausted to feel anything but tired.

But this year, Sharon, 32, will be spending the holidays alone. There is no immediate family in the area that she can visit, no boyfriend, no husband. She is a little anxious, knowing that the holidays can be difficult for those who are alone. It is a time when some people, especially women, are vulnerable to the dreaded “D” word – Depression.

Holiday depression can be very dangerous. Characterized by fatigue, sleep problems or just plain old winter holiday blues, it can signal unhealthy mood swings. If you’re missing friends and family during the holidays, avoid these maladies by trying some different ideas for building new traditions and possibly, new relationships.

Celebrate in new ways. Find friends and acquaintances who are also alone for the holidays. Plan a holiday get-together with them, to have lunch or a party. Organize a group to go to a holiday concert, or work together on a community project. You will find that taking the opportunity to strengthen relationships with people you already know will deepen the bonds of friendship.

Volunteer. Visit shut-ins, be a Big Brother or Big Sister, or serve a holiday dinner at a homeless shelter. Helping others who are in need can help alleviate loneliness.

Adopt a Family. Check with your church or non-profit organizations in the area. There are many families that need the love, companionship and help you can give during this holiday season. And remember, money doesn’t always solve the problem. Sometimes just knowing that someone cares is what these families need.

Focus on your health. Turn off the television and get out of the house. Join a local gym or sports league. Figure out how you can take recess every day and have fun with skipping rope, hop scotch, kick boxing or working out with free weights. And don’t forget to drink plenty WATER, for cleansing and hydrating your body and for a quick energy pick-me-up.

This year, Sharon must make a decision and a commitment. Will she succumb to the potential dangers of holiday depression, or will she use this time to remember the reason for the season?

My suggestion: Remember Hebrews 13:5 says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  And pray this prayer throughout this season:

Dear Lord,

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you Lord, for Life.

I’d love to know what you do to keep the Joy in the Season. Write me at Sandra@sandraphillipspresents.com.

Sandra N. Phillips