For the average happy, healthy person,  Christmas is the best time of the year.  But for those who’ve hit a rough patch in life, it’s not so great.  If you’re going through a  divorce, illness, job loss, or  a myriad of other personal crises ,  the holidays only increase the feelings of isolation.  For some,  tis not the season  to be Jolly.

Each individual man, woman, or child deals with sadness in their own way.   Some pray, or seek counseling. Others turn to mind altering substances like drugs and alcohol.  I am not qualified  to offer any expert advice to those unfortunate individuals who are feeling holiday blues.

But common sense tells us there are ways to  cheer and comfort anyone going through a bad time.    Often, the person doesn’t want to share their feelings.  They may put  on a happy face as though they are perfectly alright.  if we’re close enough to our co-workers, family or friends,  we know who is  suffering silently.  But the last thing they want is pity.

If we go overboard with our feelings of sympathy by doing something extravagant, they will be embarrassed.  Best do little things, like asking them to meet for lunch or go to a movie.  Maybe  a text to share a photo, or a phone call to say you’re thinking of them.  .Sometimes, just going out of your way to smile and say hello could give them a lift.    If they open up ,  listen to what they’re saying, but do not offer advice unless they ask for it.  And if they dwell on negative feelings,, say  something positive,   tell a  funny story,  or share a little joke.

 Don’t try to fix things.  You can’t cure cancer, save a failing marriage, or bring back a lost loved one.  But if they  feel that you really care,  you can cheer up a sad person  and help them  weather their own, private storm  during the holidays.

Happy holidays,