How to make this a truly merry and fulfilling Christmas: Don’t succumb to the pressures that can bring the holiday blues

Christmas. It’s a magical word and a remarkable time.

One of the two holiest days in the Christian faith, it’s a day with special power and meaning to the largest religious group in the world. Let us be among the first thousand or so to wish you a Merry Christmas.

Will you enjoy such a holiday? We hope so, while realizing the many challenges to celebrating a truly happy and fulfilling Christmas.

There is pressure to present a perfect holiday to your family and friends. Is the house spotless? Will the big meal go off without a single problem, no dry turkey, burned rolls or crumpled pie crust?

Did you spend enough money on presents? Too much? Did everyone get what they wanted? Are you happy with the gifts you received?

Perhaps you will be alone on Christmas. Many of us will mark the day quietly and without loved ones to share the special time. You still can make it special as you see fit.

Maybe you are not feeling the best. Colds, the flu and more serious ailments arrive as they will, with no regard for the calendar or major family plans.

For some folks, there has been a loss that causes an overwhelming feeling of sadness at this time of year. The departure of a family member or cherished friend may have occurred recently, or they might have died years ago but are still sorely missed.

So how can you have a Merry Christmas? It seems like there is a lot stacked up against the chances of enjoying Dec. 25. What are the odds that you actually will have a holiday to remember?

Here are a few suggestions, a gift between friends.

Read the Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John recount the life of Jesus Christ in deeply moving biblical accounts. St. Matthew and St. John were among His disciples and witnessed the miracles He performed and heard the parables He used to explain Himself and his Father.

St. Mark and St. John read available documents about Jesus and interviewed people who knew him, saw his works and heard his words. All four opening books of the New Testament are worth reading this time of year, or any time, for that matter.

Remember, it is a historical fact that Jesus existed. There are contemporary accounts of his life in Roman and Jewish histories, and many eyewitness reports of Him. So, as we celebrate His birth, learn more about Jesus and truly understand his message. 

Attend a Christmas Day service. It’s perfectly fine to fill your stomach with a holiday meal — but take the time to feed your soul as well.

Do something kind for someone. Take a plate of food to a friend or a neighbor. Sit with them for a while and talk. Ask them about their favorite Christmas memories.

Spend time with children. Watch their eyes as they see Christmas lights break through the darkest time of the year. See the look on their faces when they open gifts and begin to play with new toys.

Give someone a hug. Touch is very, very important to humans. Show your love with a warm embrace and a smile.

Drive around your community and check out the lights. The classic colors of the season, with red, green, blue and other colors glowing from bulbs in trees and on displays have been joined by inflatables and other outdoor decorations.

Some are dazzling, others are humorous and all are worth seeing. People put a lot of thought, effort and money into these expressions of the holiday spirit. Bundle up and take a look.

Watch a Christmas movie. You can be deeply moved by classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th Street,” or enjoy a modern holiday story. Perhaps a rowdy Christmas comedy is more your style.

Throw on your gaudiest, tackiest, most garish sweater and enjoy.

Warm your heart with your special memories of Christmas. Think back on holidays you enjoyed as a child, the first one you spent with your spouse, the time an unexpected gathering turned into a memorable event.

Then, add to those memories this year. Have a very Merry Christmas — and yes, it is possible.

Fourth-generation South Dakotan Tom Lawrence has written for several newspapers and websites in South Dakota and other states for four decades. He has contributed to The New York Times, NPR, The London Telegraph, The Daily Beast and other media outlets. Do not republish without permission.

Photo:  public domain, wikimedia commons