Posts: 137
12/26/08 11:05 P

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. I did have a rough start to the day because I had invited my brother's ex-girlfriend and the mother of my nephew to come over for Christmas because I wanted to mend some fences and she and I have had issues. She did want to come, which was a surprise, but then my brother told her not to. I was told that I had caused everyone stress and it was my fault, which really stressed me out.. She was really happy that she had been invited though and I think it was a good thing. The day was pretty good otherwise, but my brother and sister-in-law started to get on my nerves by the end of the day because they are such big know it alls. I love them, though. I was mentally tired by the end of the night, but I thank God for getting me through it all so well.

Posts: 138
12/22/08 8:17 A

My two cents are let your older brother be his normal obnoxious self, let him state is opinions and do not respond. Same for your younger brother. Be polite, ask if there is anything you can get them while you are up. Do not let their problems be your problems, because they are not your problems. It is only one day. You can get through one day. Put your game face on. Keep telling yourself I can be nice and let them be who they are, because tomorrow I will not have to be with them. Tell yourself I love them even with their faults as Love is the greatest gift. Love yourself and be kind to everyone. Your day will be better if you are proud of how you acted and responded to all the dysfunction's. If there is more family than the ones you mentioned hang with them most of day. Watch a funny Christmas movie together. Play games like cards, catch phrase and apples to apples. Games keep everyone from talking about personal, medical, and political issues.
Most of all remember that Jesus us the reason for Season.
May God bless you and ease you mind.


Edited by: SHARONA42 at: 12/22/2008 (08:20)

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Posts: 2,517
12/21/08 4:37 P

I generally have some depression around the holidays. Not much I can do about it though. This year it has been extremely cold so that has made the depression and anxiety worse. Wish I could go somewhere warm right about now.

Posts: 34
12/21/08 1:19 P

Just remember, the holidays will pass. They have to. There's no way you can get stuck in them, time moves. Doesn't stop. Whatever happens will happen but you will get through it somehow. When all is said and done you will still be living and breathing. I've found myself falling into this mindset lately when big things come up. I have no idea if its healthy or not but it helps haha. Just try and enjoy the holidays for yourself, be a little selfish. Just ignore annoying people, I do. (Wow, I sound like a bit of a... jerk. But in certain situations it keeps me from exploding into a ball of undecipherable screams sobs and tears)

Posts: 2,436
12/21/08 5:17 A

This is an extremely anxiety provoking time of year for me as well. I have my DD's birthday late November to deal with first, then X-mas.

All the pressure to have a "happy Christmas" sometimes is too much but I just grind through it because I have to.

Some of the family stuff is also anxiety provoking because I feel they sometimes have high expectations, at least for me, that tend to really stress me out. Urg... this year isn't too bad though, I thought it would be worse because money was so tight, but luckily I had more than expected.

I just hate how it's so commercialized and materialized. That's not what Christmas is about.

With that said, hope you all have a very merry Christmas and healthy 2009!!

Posts: 6,546
12/20/08 9:50 P

This can be a difficult time of year, I know. Just remember you will make it through this season. Make sure you exercise -

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12/20/08 9:29 P

Sorry about your Christmas anxiety. It does sound like a tough situation. Hoping that it all works out!

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Posts: 137
12/20/08 9:03 P

Hey. I have been dealing with some serious anxiety because of Christmas coming up in just a few days. There is a lot of conflict in my family and that makes it hard for me. I have trouble with my older brother because he is kind of obnoxious. He has an opinion about everything and his is the only one that counts. Then, my younger brother and his ex-girlfriend have been having problems and she has been giving me trouble too. They have a son together and I want to see him, but I am unsure if that will happen. Also, if she comes on that day, what will things be like since relations are strained between her and a number of my family. It all kind of makes me feel crazy.