Holiday Blues

Not everyone finds this season jolly. Keeping that in mind, I thought I’d list some easy ways to put some pep in your peppermint!

Buy yourself a minty treat. A peppermint mocha or a simple candy cane can perk you right up.
Go soak your feet. Fill a plastic wash tub with scented Epsom salts and warm water. Soak your feet for ten minutes and you’ll feel more relaxed (I’m doing it while I type this!).
Buy a bouquet. A local farm family in my town sells a grouping of evergreens and holly. What a great way to brighten up your home (but any flowers will do).
Light a candle. I love soy candles with a lovely scent. The flickering light and delicious smell calms me right down.

iStock | Tashka2000

Read a book. I like to check out seasonal mysteries from the library. There’s nothing like snuggling under a blanket while reading about a small-town Christmas mystery.
Phone a friend. Don’t have time or the energy to go out? Make a phone-date with a friend. Grab a cup of tea and visit and laugh. You’ll both feel rejuvenated.
Have a cup of tea. I order a tea sampler from my favorite tea company every December. It comes with 24 different tea bags. I get to try a different tea every day. Just sitting and sipping tea is a great way to decompress.

iStock | Solidcolours

Cute mugs. Buy yourself a new mug, one that makes you smile. Who cares if your cupboard is loaded with mugs already? A new mug can make all the difference in the world while you enjoy a hot beverage.
Go thrift shopping. I love visiting my local thrift shop. My kids and I send pictures of the treasures we find to each other. Some are truly treasures and some are oddities that make us laugh. Either way, it’s a trip worth making.
Watch a movie. Christmas movies can be so silly, can’t they? But, somehow at this time of year, the sappy plots and bad acting seem perfect. Put the kids to bed and tune in.
Take a nature walk. I’m not talking exercise. I’m talking about a leisurely stroll while taking in the beauty that can be found on a winter day.

iStock | Borchee

Hang a string of lights. Whether you adorn a tree outside your window or hang a string from a few nails inside, the extra lighting can’t help but cheer a gloomy day.
Secret Santa. Buy yourself a little something while you Christmas shop. It can be as small as a single truffle. I promise, you’ll feel less stressed.
Nightgown day. Cancel anything you don’t HAVE to do. Put on your nightgown and be lazy. Ignore the to-do list and rest, rest, rest.

iStock | Elitsa Deykova

I hope these easy ideas will help you enjoy this holiday season. Remember to treat yourself as well as you treat those on your Christmas list. For God so loved you that he gave his only begotten son, that if you believe in him, you shall not perish but have eternal life. (Paraphrased from John 3:16)

If your sadness is deeper than just the blues, please ask for help. Call 988.