I understand all too well the stresses that come with this time of year.. I've endured the loss of those I've loved deeply.. I've also felt the restraints of poverty and spent weeks of solitude in hospitals.. but I've always tried my best not to let any of it take away the joys of life.. just who I am is all.. I may not even share this holiday with both of my kids.. but that doesn't mean I should sit and wallow in loneliness.. there are always others that are far worse off than I..... besides.. one doesn't need pockets filled with money or being surround by a flock of people to find the true meaning of Christmas.. it's the joy in seeing a smile in response to yours.. giving an hour of your time to comfort another or just sharing a hug with a friend.. the spirit is in the joy of giving..

I'm simply trying to encourage others to share in the smallest of hope.. because life can change.. if we want it bad enough.. and some powers of healing come.. from simply giving a little piece of ourselves..

Merry Christmas NavyGirl..

I get what you are saying and I guess what bothers me is all the so-called nice things people do at Christmas should be done year round. I never understood why ignore people the rest of the year and then because of the winter solstace suddenly we are all filled with love and joy. Sorry; but its pure crap. I do agree with what you said but it should not be only at this time of year and then January; we all go turn back the ignore button on to those in need. However; I do admire you for trying to bring some joy when there is so little to be joyous about. Seasons greetings.

it is true that people tend to 'turn it on' at Christmas.. and agree that it should not be the way of it.. but for many it is.. I, however, turn up the volume as it's a time when people feel the hardships the most and need the support to carry on through to a new year..

here's a lil seasonal cheer just for you Navy..

Again; I get what you are saying but why should one feel worse during the winter holidays than say in summer. My brother died in August as yes I find that time of year hard for me; so why would I mourn his death more over Christmas than August? Honestly; I don't but then again I am not brainwashed by the Media for its they that bring people down at Christmas holidays. They push the message across via tv, radio, and the malls that you have to decorate your house; buy lots of presents, eat/drink excessively, and the worst thing they do is put the message across that you feel sad because you are alone at Christmas. Me, I don't feel any worse being alone at Christmas than I do in the middle of summer but that's because I won't let the media play on my emotions. I don't have a tree, Christmas lights, Christmas cards, don't buy gifts, don't watch Christmas specials; nor do I play Christmas carols at the house. I treat it as just a day off from work and completely avoid it. However; I won't take away your Christmas cheer and really do wish you the best.

simply put.. statistics state that depression is higher, as is suicide..
I have kids and no matter how hard you try, I agree the media & retailers hype things up.. I do it for the kids, friends and others less fortunate.. because I enjoy the smiles and the spirit of giving..

I respect your opinion and choices.. and wish you instead.. a WONDERful day OFF!

You are right that depression is higher but suicides are not as per this article.
Despite a commonly held myth that the Christmas season has the highest suicide rate of all the seasons, studies have proven that across North America, suicide rates are actually lower at that time of year.14 Studies suggest that while the holidays can bring up some very difficult emotions, they also tend to evoke feelings of familial bonds and these feelings may act as a buffer against suicide. While suicide rates do not increase over the holiday season, depression rates do. Late July and August have the highest suicide rate out of all the months of the year. Anyways; I will leave your thread as I don't want to take away your yultide joy. Sometimes I get a bit to anal on details and I apologize for that. It wasn't my intent to upset you if I did.

Merry Christmas!!!

WHOA.. NICE save some for the rest of us though Taz

ooooooooo I LOVE the flip flops idea.. ours looks more like THIS


they can be a real pain in the keester AND weight a ton in slush.. just something we have to live with.. that and.........lotsa this!

you know.. there's something to be said about the gentle fall of fluffy white snow, filling the trees limbs and coating the ground like a glistening down duvet.. in the country.. there's a quiet hush to the air.. it's not for nothing they call it a winter 'wonderland'...