Christmas Blue

Many people get depressed at Christmas time because they have been brainwashed to think it is all about giving and receiving gifts. It is little more than a commercial exercise to many people. The ones who get real joy from Christmas despite their financial circumstances are the ones who celebrate it as the birthday of Jesus. He is the greatest gift ever given or received if you are a believer. My mother told me about their Christmas days during the Depression in the 1920s and 1930s--in fact, they never had much even when finances improved. They looked forward to Christmas because their dad (my grandfather) might bring home an orange they could enjoy. Their mother would cook up some hard candy if there was enough sugar (some years there wasn't) and they would read the story of the nativity. Grandpa would play his guitar, Grandma would play the piano--or later, when they had to sell it, a harmonica--and they would sing and the children would stage plays for their parents. These days that type of Christmas would make people feel sorry for them but to them, it was the best day of the year. There was love, laughter, happiness, and joy. That's what people are missing these days and why they get so depressed during this season. (I heard this morning that there was a typhoon in the Philippines and hope you are all okay!)

Don't feel depressed even if you are not financially good this Christmas season, Letran. What is important is that you get to enjoy it with your family, even without so much cost. I used to be that way too. The 13th month pay and some bonus would sometimes be not enough to cover the expenses for the foods to be prepared, gifts to everyone , so much so that i am not able to buy some things for myself. That depresses me. But not anymore, because i learned to control my budget. I only give gift to my godchild, my daughter and my husband. I only spend on foods for Christmas that is within my budget. I leave the others to my husband to finance. Besides, i just think that Christmas means remembering and honoring Jesus as well as it's the birthday of our daughter. It's not a time to spend and spend when one has not enough money, anyway.

Hi Letran! You are not alone in your feelings of depression about the holiday season. This happens to be very common, especially for people who are having financial difficulties and other issues. When you see others so happy and spending money and enjoying themselves it is very difficult to not feel badly. I kind of get that same feeling and know others that do also. As much as I love the holidays, I hate them if that makes any sense. I can't afford to enjoy them the way I want to because of serious financial problems and family issues. And it hasn't been the best year either heathwise for me or my mom. I also get depressed around New Year's because I'm already worrying about how the next year might be! I keep hoping it will be better but.....Try to enjoy the holidays anyway. Enjoy your friends and family and make the best of it!

Hello, Letran! I was about to post the same discussion. Yes. I strongly agree with you. I have been working for more than 6 months now, after a six month vacation, but I haven't saved anything yet.

I do also experiencing the christmas blue, because our plan to move in our new house (actually my partners house) is not within our reach. The 13th month that we are expecting to pay for the move in fee and to open a checking account is not enough. We are still lacking of Php 12,000+ for us be able to pay for it. My partner was so frustrated with what comes out to be his 13th month pay. So I think this Christmas will be the most saddest celebration we will have. And aside from those fees and checking expenses we still have no budget for gift giving to our family. It was a year of hard time, the decision regarding money was tight right now. But still we are praying that everything will be okay and we still be able to make our Christmas a joyous one. ^_^

Hi LetranKnight. So not feel sad. Who said Christmas is all about having parties and buying gifts for everyone. It is about getting together with family, friends and loved ones. It is that time when everyone gets to share their personal experiences and have some fun. Though media projects these festivals in such a way that those who do not have those cool things yearn for them and those who know they can not afford them feel sad and disappointed. So forget all your sorrows this Christmas. And have a great time time with your family and friends. Have a nice day ... =SuperShames=

people have high expectations at Christmas. Also, holidays tend to cause any family drama to rise up. For me, like you, the expense of Christmas is hard...I really don't always see the point of spending so much money.

Whenever it's this time of the year, I always think about giving gifts and I feel bad and sad now because like the years before I will not be able to afford to again, but I try to keep my spirit up and look at the bright side of things. While I may not be able to give away presents to make people I care happy, I can think of other ways to make this season a happy one. Christmas is about giving joy and more importantly hope, and that is what I plan to do. In my own personal way, I plan to make this celebration joyous and give hope to people around me. I do hope that you also find a way to brighten up your mood and think of things that could make you happy and thankful. There are more reasons to be happy than be sad. Merry Christmas to you!

To get your life in perspective, visit a shelter, a soup kitchen or even a street where the homeless gather. The very best way to gain is to give. Whatever you can give. So many are starving, cold and just thrown away. how can any of us complaine about our mood, when others are in such need. if you concern yourself with others you will have no energy to feel for yourself. Whatever you do accept my Blessings and if possible pass it on.

I do not observe this holiday season for many years already. Thu I still give gifts to family members,relatives and loved ones especially the kids. This season is like any other ordinary days...but New Year is a different thing though.. Usually New Year is a season for family reunion- so it's one of the best time to spend with our dear and beloved ones. Happy New Year my dear brother

Hi LK! Material thing should not be the basis for us to be happy or not during this season. Personally, Christmas is my favorite season in a year. Not only because we get additional bonuses but the fact that this is the day that our Lord was born. I am happy most if my relatives will be coming to my house during this season. The whole year, I just can't find time to sit and relax and this time, I am glad we are being given that privilege. I'm sure, expenses will be higher but, still I am happy because I know I can make other people happy in my own little ways. Merry Christmas!

I have heard the same thing here.. here its because our economy is so bad, that many wont be able to have a xmas. its sad, especially for the kids. I try and help a few poor families here. wish I could do more.

yes, You have to prepare many gifts for friends and buying plenty of stuff to celebrate Christmas, like Christmas tree, stuff for decoration, eating... All these will cost you much money. BuT anyway, Christmas is not just about spending, you can have fun on Christmas, such as having a reunion dinner, holding or attending parties, visiting friends. Enjoy Christmas, and you will be happy.