What works for one person may not work for another person. Find what works for you and do it.

If you feel your "blues" or stressors are greater than the average person and have difficulty managing with basic skills, you may want to seek further help from a professional counselor. The professional counselors at Pathways Professional Counseling, a family ministry of Alabama Baptist Children's Homes, are available to assist you.

Common Causes for the holiday blues:
1.) Past losses
2.) Unresolved grief
3.) Anticipating a significant loss
4.) Sense of increased isolation and loneliness
5.) Difference between holiday expectations and the reality of one’s life

Another reason people tend to get stressed and blue during the holiday is due to unrealistic expectations. Unrealistic expectations can lead to many disappointments and leave you feeling sad and blue. Make sure you set realistic and attainable expectations to help lead to a more satisfying holiday.

Tips that will help keep your expectations realistic are
1.) It is healthy to learn to assert yourself. Say no if you don’t have time to do something. It is important to delegate responsibilities to others so you don’t over extend yourself.
2.) Exercise wise time management.
3.) Share with someone less fortunate. Give the gift of time and love during the holiday.
4.) Remember that things will go wrong. Learn to face these setbacks with grace.
5.)Find a creative way to make the holiday special.

Seniors adults are often a population of people who suffer from the "blues" as well as depression this time of year. Some contributing factors are
1.) Widowed
2.) Losses of close friends as they age
3.) Separation from family
4.) Health problems
5.) Living Conditions
6.) Finances

Some strategies to cope are
1.) Don’t isolate yourself.
2.) Volunteer your time.
3.) Try to avoid alcohol.
4.) Budget your finances and stick to your plan.
5.) Don’t deny or try to hide your feelings of sadness.
6.) Have a healthy support system of family and friends.

The serenity prayer is encouraging and reads,
"God grant me the serenity to (1) accept the things I cannot change, (2) the courage to change the things I can, and (3) the wisdom to know the difference. Learn how to apply these three principles and serenity will replace the holiday blues.