I'm sorry you're feeling so down. It's unfortunate that when the time of year is supposed to be "merry", so many people feel just the opposite.

I'm not going to tell you to get a grip because that wouldn't be fair. I'd feel like I was scolding you! But maybe I could suggest that you do some volunteer work this holiday. I think helping others and knowing you're doing good for the less fortunate could really help boost your morale and your own feelings of worth. I'm not sure where you would start to try to find a cause to volunteer to but maybe your local community center or city hall could guide you? Or I'm sure some other KT'ers here would have some ideas.

Hang in there and try to enjoy the holiday.

I wish I were close enough to give you a big ole hug so this ((((())))) will have to do. I certainly understand your mood. I was once where you are today. My son pulled me through it. He is still my encourager today 35 years later. Do get a grip!!! You have so much to live for, many would love to have children, especially grandchildren so you are much better off than a lot of people.
There is an old saying..."If God led to to it, He'll lead you through it"..just follow.
Take care and keep us posted Satine.

S Steph said maybe volunteering for a worthy cause might help you to feel much better. Only you know if you can. DH and I will put you on our prayer list. God Bless You.

Keeping busy through volunteer work can be a real picker upper.

Hi satine,
I understand your pain. My first wife, Mary, loved Christmas. She was just like a little kid this time of year. I think that's one of the reasons we were married on the 27th of Dec. We had 16 years together. I lost her to ovarian cancer just 3 days after our 16th anniversary. That was 12 years ago. Ever since then Christmas has always been bitter/sweet. I remarried on the 17th of Dec. just a year later. But, even with a fantastic, loving, adoring wife the memory of losing Mary is just under the surface this time of year.
As for encouraging words; Go find those grandkids, give them a big hug and tell them how much you love them.

Ron

I think everyone feels blue around Christmas. I worry about money, my health, my husband , my children, just everything. Sure you miss your husband, try to spend more time with those grandkids. They are part of him. God bless you.

I understand the feeling too. It seems all holidays or any anniversary will bring up blue feelings, and memories. Keeping busy is a great help. Go see your DD's if they're close, and see if you can help them out with shopping or wrapping presents.
Leslie

Sharing does help, and I'm glad you did. I'm so sorry you are missing your husband. I hope you will be with family during the holidays.

Susan

The past 4 years I have been involved in helping the Salvation Army with the Elder Tree program. I am with another organization and we have donated money to help out with gifts for the elderly. It is amazing how much help is needed after the people bring in their gifts for the angels they have chosen. It is also heartbreaking to read their wish lists. They ask for stamps, toilet paper, paper towels, snacks and fruit. Maybe a pair of pajamas or slippers.

My friend and I go out shopping for the things that are needed to fill in the empty spots and get treats to go into their gift packages. My friend works for the county and works in the Hud Housing and other elderly facilities so she knows a lot of the folks that receive these gifts. She says it is such a joy to see the faces of these elderly people when they tell her what Santa has brought them.

We always come away with a warm feeling that we have helped someone less fortunate than us. It also puts you in the Christmas spirt and makes you aware of all that you have to be thankful for.

There are many places to volunteer at Christmas. Our grandchildren in Tucson go and help out at the soup kitchen instead of having a big meal at home. It teaches them to help others and to be thankful for all they have.

I hope you will find a way to make your Christmas bright. Enjoy your family and grandchildren as they are part of you and your dear husband.

I think maybe I should share the content of a radio interview I heard only the end of yesterday. The economist wanted everyone to understand one thing, and that is that though we are experiencing some rocky times, our economy is strong. He says the media is doing a number on people's minds because bad news sells and they have talk radio and tv news stations that go 24/7. So they select all the negative, and then go on and on about it, not even knowing what they are talking about. We are a strong economy, he says, and in no way does this recession look anything like the Great Depression.

People with professional training for their careers are for the most part still employed. Those losing their jobs tend to be unskilled rather than skilled employees. Some companies are in trouble, but most of them were in trouble before the crisis this fall, which then brought their troubles to a head. The nation is not crumbling. We will survive this rocky stretch.

(((Satine))) Everyone's already given you some great advise, so I am just going to send you a big cyber Hug.
Sharing a tough time with people who care always seems to help.

(((((Satine))))) Just sending hugs your way.

So sorry you're feeling blue. I think alot of people feel that way this time of the year. Hang in there, and spend lots of time with family if possible. Maybe visiting a nursing home or adult care facility would be good for you right now. I used to work in an adult assisted living facility and there were patients living there that were all alone with no family around. I loved visiting with all the people, but especially the ones with no family that ever came to visit. They needed some one to talk to. You may find someone else there that has recently lost their spouse and are feeling really sad. You may really be a comfort to
them. What ever you do, I sure hope your feeling better soon.
Hugs!!!!

Hi all and thank you for your responses. I am trying to focus on all the good things (and there are many) that I have in my life. I know that my feeling so low right now is because I am missing my husband so much. He loved Christmas and so I am trying to focus on the real meaning of the holiday. To those who suggested volunteering I agree that it is a real moral booster but I work full time and presently am caring for my daughter who just had surgery so my time is very limited. I can't tell you what good feelings I got when I read all of your responses and got all those hugs. Thank you, thank you and I'll try a little harder to soak up the joy of the season. Satine

(((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))

When you are feeling real blue, just come here. This is the most amazing group of people who realy care about their cyberfriends. I am only occasional here since I am the caretaker of sick family members, but I put you on my prayer list and want to give you a big (((((hug)))).