Can I skip Christmas?

[NicoleLJ]

Seriously can I? I so wish I could go into details of what is going on in my life because I am having such a hard time dealing with it all. And it is not just post partnum depression. That is actually a very small part of the whole big problem. I am suppose to decorate tomorrow, always do on the 1st. But every time I look at the decorations I cry. The last thing I want to deal with is Christmas, and it is my favorite holiday. But this year I just want to curl up in a ball and cry and sleep away Christmas till the new year comes. I just don't know how i am going to deal with it.

Nicole

[Catty1]

{{{{{hugs}}}}}

If Christmas is your favourite time of year, you already love it in your heart; don't stress about the externals. Take away the Dec 1st deadline...just see what happens.

Decorate yourself with something special you like - even a simple pin.

Can we help? Can you even describe something in general, and we can draw from our experiences based on what you say?

"God does not love us because of who we are, but of because who God is."

Keep faith, hon. You are always loved. HUGS HUGS HUGS

[Karen]

In years past, my church did an Advent Devotional booklet this time of year with a reading for every day. Some stories were quiet, some funny, some were just favorite poems - I could PM you one every day if it might help ease things a bit. One of my favorites was written by a now-deceased (much beloved) gentleman who was a Navy man, aboard ship for Christmas during WW II.

You can skip the glitz and the shopping and the frenzy, and the malls and the hassles, and still have a good and blessed Christmas, love.

[sasvermont]

Nicole, I don't know what is happening in your life, that is creating such stress, but believe me, we all can identify with your problem. Each of us has our own little basket just full of problems and dreadful times. I am not trying to make light of anything you are going through, just want you to know that we are all having problems from time to time, so you are not alone.

I have been going through some personal problems these past few months and it seems never ending. I know it will get better with time, but gosh, it does seem impossible.

I am not decorating this year, but that works for me. I do have little white lights on the porch railings along with some greens and winterberry, but that is it! You have small children....so not celebrating is out of the question. I bet you could get away with the minimum this year and the children wouldn't even notice~

I hope you get a break and things get better for you.

We are all here for you too.

(((((((((((((((((((((Nicole))))))))))))))))))))))) )

[Cataholic]

I would imagine if Christmas IS your fave holiday that it IS the depression that is doing this to your spirits right now. I hope you are getting some professional help, as post-partum depression really isn't something to shake a stick at.

Jonah was born in September. He was 3.5 months at Christmas, that first year. Guess what? I did next to nothing. I am pretty convinced he will have no recollection of it. None.

Good luck, and keep reaching out.

[catnapper]

I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time this year. Depression is such a sneaky little thing. Stress, life, and a new baby can set anyone back.... but then the holidays makes everything worse. Sometimes you're too exhausted physically and mentally to do anything, then guilt about not wanting Christmas sets in and you feel even worse and more hopeless. Trust me, I know what you mean, as I was there last year. Take a holiday off and don't knock yourself out about it! A happy and healthy mom is more important than homemade cookies and red ribbons on presents.

[Laura's Babies]