Ever wonder why depression seems so much worse during the holiday season? Some of the reasons may be a surprise, while others seem very obvious. Each one of these is based on real personal struggles. Humbuggery. This word is made famous in Charles Dicken’s story, A Christmas Carol, where Scrooge frequently says, “Bah-Humbug.” The pure… (more…)
For many, the stress of the holidays is overwhelming. The anticipation of family gatherings alone can create anxious, tense, and uncomfortable responses. Then there are the personal expectations of gift-giving, the lack of appropriate boundaries of friends, and the increased tension of an end-of-the-year work cycle. Sorting through these conflicting thoughts and emotions can be… (more…)
The holidays should be several days of reduced work activity set aside to celebrate with family and friends. But all too often, these days are jam-packed filled with obligations, deadlines, expectations, responsibilities, and crises. Instead of letting the exhaustion take over, try these ideas to simplify. Make a list and check it twice. The first… (more…)
Driving during the holidays requires a bit of patience, lots of control, and a sprinkle of endurance. As I was driving down the left side of the highway slightly faster than normal because I was late, suddenly someone cut me off. I slammed on the breaks and skidded a bit almost hitting the concrete barrier…. (more…)
For the first time in 16 years, Janice was going to spend Thanksgiving without her kids. Even though the divorce was finalized in the summer, she did not realize until a week before the holiday that her kids would spend the entire week with her ex. She was devastated. The traditions she so purposefully cultivated… (more…)
The first Thanksgiving and Hanukkah without her husband of 47 years, nothing seemed right. For the first time, Nikki was not hosting either celebration, her daughter and son took the holidays over to relieve her stress. But without the rituals and traditions, she felt more isolated and alone. Nikki took a deep breath to hold… (more…)
As the holidays approached, Heather began to worry about the next encounter with her in-laws. Last Thanksgiving was a complete disaster. After spending days getting their new house ready for the visit, her narcissistic mother-in-law walked into the house and announced, “It’s not that bad.” Heather tried to brush it off, but the comments kept… (more…)
Dorothy lost her husband of 30 years this past year. She knew the holidays would be hard but didn’t know they would be this difficult. Every ornament she hung reminded her of him. The cookies she baked were his favorites. Even her adult kids couldn’t help but talk about what their dad would be doing…. (more…)
Anna was already exhausted. The holidays just began and she was overwhelmed by the pressures on her budget, the extra demands on the schedule, the additions of parties and celebrations, and the excessive stuff in the stores. She tried to be excited about decorating, but it felt more like a chore than a pleasure. So… (more…)
It was only after the nursing home started setting decorating for Christmas that Norman realized this would be the first year without his wife at home. Worse yet, based on his last visit with her, she most likely would not remember any part of their 50 years together. The Alzheimer’s had taken over her brain… (more…)
We have detected that you are using Internet Explorer 8 or older.
Please upgrade your browser to access our website.
Upgrading your browser will improve your browsing experience.
© 2021 GrowWithChristine.com. All rights reserved.
Phone: 407-740-6838 · Fax: 407-740-0902 2737
Address: W. Fairbanks Ave· Winter Park, FL 32789