Hi Debbie... I think we all know someone like this whom we can help. I'm one of those people, who while loving Christmas, can get a bit depressed as we get closer because so many of my loved ones with whom I celebrated Christmas for most of my life are no longer with us.

Yes I do and yes I do,  And that lifts me up too

Yes and yes. Just got off the phone with one a few minutes ago. At least I got her laughing with me so she may go to sleep with a smile tonight.

This is the second year my aunt with face a christmas without my uncle. She is 89 years old.  We take her to celebrate with the rest of our family at our family meal.

No, I don't know of anyone personally, just that there are some who do. Actually, the first holidays of every kind after a loved one passes is hard.

It happens to me Debbie, I mist my father.

It's not always a happy time for everyone so it's good to be mindful of it -- sometimes just a smile and a nice word can go a long way.   

Yes, I track two people to be concerned about at holidays. One deals with the suicide of a child, and the other has a recurrence of is cancer. You can take the pain away but you can be a good listener who empathizes.

I know many who have lost loved ones and are sad....including me, so I get it. I think its best to not dwell on it as they don't really want their spirits lifted, just to let it pass. Just empathy is best.

 Good morning Debbie. Christmas is typically associated as being a family holiday. Some folks have given up on themselves and their families.

It's not a happy time for so many people. Many know how to help themselves by going to their loved ones rather than staying home.  Me? I make it a point to be in Hawaii with my grandsons and family.

I don't know anyone that has a difficult time at this time of the year, but if I do, I would do what I could to brighten their day. 

Yes, right here. A bit down about some investments, but I should not complain at all, considering there are many in dire straights. Incredible story about a strong girl named Safyre Terry reminds me that I should not complain and count my blessings. 

I have a close friend who lost her husband a while back that we call alot.

Whenever possible, unfortunately depressed people become very quiet and are easily unnoticed.

I do know a few friends that hate this time of year.  I don't necessarily try to lift their spirits, I just try to be there for them and let them know they aren't alone.  

Actually, that usually lifts their spirits, so yes.  :)

Yes and it is every year

I will do my best when I recognize the symptoms. 

Nope.  Don't know anyone like that.  Would help them if I did though.

Debbie,

Excellent thought here.  A few years ago, we were invited to speak at UCSB on that topic of relationships at this time of the year.  We were amazed how well attended that was...Yes, we take time out for that.  A

Yes and yes.  We try to go the extra mile in paying it forward to the elderly and shut ins.

I do not know anyone; however if I did I would reach out to them.

Yes, therre are some who get depressed at this time of year. And yes, I try to get them out of the dumps!

I have clients  who lost their mother on Christmas eve three years ago.

There are many here on AR who mettle has been tested through the process of lose. No remedy exists to divert the waves of grief whose visitation lessens each year. It is just the part of who we are that keeps compassion awake.

For me the action of choice is engagement. For me the preferred response to those who find themselves depressed, as the result of lose, is to bring honor to memory of the missing. "It's OK and natural. Celebrate what they have added to you."

At this time of year we should be aware of two versions of Hallelujah, the one that warms us, the other that reminds us our reality is not shared by many. Their broken Hallelujah cries to be heard.

No

Good morning Debbie. That is probably why we do two food drives, one now the other in Feb. We always see it as our responsibility to do what we can for those in need.

No.

The depression is often on TFT in RE. Yes!