for you? I have chatted with SO many people who have had a hard time getting through the holidays because of sad/tragic events and/or lonliness.

Hugs and kisses to all who are hurting...............

Danni

for the last say 10 years, christmas and thanksgiving always suck. and for the last couple of years, i have worked for the holidays, so i deal with it that way

i imagine for some it really is,

my mom's dad was born on christmas but passed away dec 15 , 1983, 5 days after my cousin christina was born, her son was born dec 17th 2005, and would have been 2 years old today but passed away feb, 15 2006

my sister is in the hospital now, giving birth to my niece who shares part name with my grandfather who was mentioned above, so this time of year is a mixed feeling, we are greatful and full of hope for what is to come but still sad and brought down some by what has happened

Thanks it has been a rough year and right now the holidays aren't helping.

yo thank you this is our frist xmass with out our dad being here so yes its a hard one thank you again

holidays suck

the past 5 years have sucked for me, after the death of my son so close to Thanksgiving. Then this year a couple friends of mine passed away close to thanksgiving again. Life happens but we just have to keep going holidays or not.

the last elevne yeasr have been so hard on me because on December 24th of 1996 my Uncle Patrick whom, I was close to was reported missing. For those who don't know it was all over the news as "Two Connecticut pilots reported missing on Christmas Eve." As you could image there was no Christmas that year for our entire family. That was the start of a decade of depressing Christmas's. For two more Christmas's we did not know where he was but on November 22, 1999 he was found it was more than ever a bitter sweet Christmas that year. For the next 7 years when November 22nd rolled around I would be depressed till the New Year. Also during that 7-year period my grandfather who I was extremely close to died of cancer December 22, 2003 and was buried December 24th next to his son who was reported missing and died that same day. The fallowing Christmas season my best college buddy Brian was given a snowboard for Christmas and tried it out on January 2, 2005 & hit a tree and died instantly. Yet none of that has affected this years Christmas cheer at all like it has the last eleven years. Yes I have my sad moments but nothing like the other years my heart is finally healing.

I cannot even imagine how hard it must be to continuously be bombarded with "holiday cheer" at every turn....TV, newspapers, magazines, websites, etc, etc.

If only I could spend time with each and every one of you and allow you time to morn in your own way.....

I love you ALL!

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((my hurting friends))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

I think that we morun more around the holidays, becasue it's about treasuring friends and family. My mom passed away Dec.6th of 93, that was a very rough Christmas 4 me, and every year the frist time I hear Elvis sing Blue Christmas, I cry. this year we lost a 3-year old niece due to a heart condition. But My mom and my neice would want us to live and enjoy life,be grateful for the family we have to hold on to, like my 2 week old grandaughter. I know it can be very hard, i've been their, hang in their, The time will come when the sun will peak over the clouds and become a beautiful day. ((((((hugs to all)))))

The last 2 years have been really difficult ever since the son of my 2nd son was born-blessed with another beautiful baby. But, was conceived with yet ANOTHER deadbeat father that doesn't want to pay his child support or see my son. I work full time but still don't have the money to pay all my bills or buy the food that we need. And Christmas is a very depressing time. I am so grateful for my church because they have bought my kids a few things the last couple of years for Christmas and stocked my cabinets with food. But, it just reminds me how hard the other 11 months have been. It's sad when your kid sees presents but is more excited by all the food that has been brought then the toy. Now don't get me wrong we eat-it's just not all the goodies and stuff and 4 course meals that some people take for granted...but I have great faith and like I said last year I will say again this year...maybe next year will be better.

That first line was typed wrong...*ever since my 2nd son was born was what it should say

includes me.. but i have my kids..thank god..without them it would be worse..

I am sorry you guys are feeling down. I have talked to alot of people on the depression thread and the advice I give them is to keep busy. Get out more, volunteer, take a trip, do anything but stay in and think about things.

That is what I plan on doing. It is a temporary fix, but it beats doing nothing. Take care and Merry Christmas to all!!

what a beautiful kind hearted person.... thats what makes a christmas good people like u.... and no im not depressed this yr... all my kids are coming for christmas.... but have spent a thanksgiving alone before that was no fun!

Thank you, Buttons.........

And if there is ANY way we can do anything for someone else, it does help with the isolation.

I have been depressed before, it's not a "pick yourself up by the bootstraps" kind of thing.

But, once I MADE myself get out with the sole purpose of making a concerted effort to perform a "random act of kindness." My, what a sheer BLESSING it was to "hide" and watch the expression of joy on the face of the unsuspecting recipient.

If done annonymously, you get the joy without having to "bother" with all of the attention during a time when attention is is the furthest thing from something you may desire.

Please believe me....it works. And I'm not talking about some costly gift. I mean something as simple as scraping someone's windsheild for him/her, puting a note in a mailbox, buying a $5.00 gift card from a store you frequent and handing it to the cashier for the person behind you in line.

It IS the thought that counts, it really is............

Hardworkingmom2...I know how you feel. I have been their, I have 3 kids afes 14,15,16, and a new grandaughter. My childrens father is in prison,I have been a single mom for 3 yrs, but even when he was with us he never supported us. I to was always thankfu for the help form my church family. You and your family are in my paryer, things will get better. Keep the faith. If you evr need a shoulder , Please feel free to e-mail me. Penny

very good ideas!!! i like your kind of thinking! too bad not more people like u out there.... im gonna do something like that thanks for the ideas......

Penny-thank you for the prayers! My oldest son's father is in prison as well. If I ever need some advice I will surelly turn to you!