Monday, December 1, 2008

When Christmas Hurts

Twenty-three years ago, I wrote an article for the Shepherd's Journal that still holds up. It was an interview with Diane Crider, an instructor at Liberty University, about facing the holidays after a loss or separation. Here's the article:
There are some people who will have a hard time celebrating this Christmas. They will feel a sense of loss from death, divorce, illness, or separation from family and friends. Memories of past holidays will come back to haunt them.
"Christmas amplifies the void and loss they feel," Diane Crider, staff counselor at Liberty, explains. "This often leads to depression."
She suggests several ideas to help in surviving the holidays:
1. Be Ready For It. Realize that there is loss in life. Give yourself time to be sad and don't set up high expectations or false hopes.
2. Make an Effort to be Around Other People. Don't overlook the relationships around you. Spend time deepening the friendships you have.
3. Let God Deepen His Relationship with You. Remember He allowed loss in His life, by giving His Son.
4. Make an Effort to Give. Reach out and help others during this holiday season.
How can we help others who may be hurting this Christmas? Crider adds, "Be sensitive to those who don't have families. Keep in mind that those who have lost the most will act the toughest. Finally, remember that the best gifts are time and caring."

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