It is Blue Monday again, time to visit Smiling Sally and see what everyone is posting on the subject of blue. Click on the image at the left to go directly to her blog. If you pass GO, collect $200 but you will have to share with me. I charge a finder's fee. 
Does anyone (everyone?) get the blues at least once during the holiday season?
We all feel the pressure to decorate, cook, bake, entertain, shop for perfect gifts, wrap those perfect gifts, and so on, all in addition to our daily tasks at hand. I am hearing from more women that they don't decorate as they used to, some barely giving a nod to the season. I am not there and don't think I want to go to that extreme by choice.
Besides, it isn't just these stresses that brings on the blues.
It is time to sigh. To smile. To wipe away a tear. And then it is time to move on.
I am happy person by nature. I am already feeling more like one of the happy yellow rubber duckies (although the blue one is attractive in her chic shade, don't you agree?).
13 comments:
I agree, this can be a tough time of year. Too many stresses and then adding in missing loved ones. I had to learn to "lower the bar" for myself and enjoy the season and my family more.
I like your blue duck!
Happy Blue Monday!
Knitty, it's a demonstrated fact that the holidays can bring on major depression in people. And yes, it is a time that we tend to miss the ones we love who are gone. I have lost everyone in the upper tier of my own family, and our Christmases were something right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Lots and lots of family and also friends with no family (we adopted people), and beautiful gifts, food, decorations, the works.
It hits me when I am decorating the tree that those people are no longer with us because I have so many of my mother's ornaments. Some of them have people's names on them that are no longer here. But putting those ornaments on the tree makes me feel especially close to them, knowing that they are at the big celebration in Heaven and waiting for us to join them one day.
Because I love history so, I used to spend a lot of time gazing backwards. Now that I'm over the fence, I spend more time living in the now with an eye on the end of the race. But yes, I do understand. Fortunately, I have very small godchildren who are delighted with Christmas. But I have my moments. I think it's only normal. If we didn't, it would show that we aren't people who love. I'm sure our parents and grandparents felt the same way because they were missing the ones who had gone on ahead.
The trick is to feel it and move on with the joy of knowing exactly what the season is about... the babe who came that we might have life and have it more abundantly! :-) That is the true cause for celebration. If we do all things as "unto Him," then it shifts the focus. That's what I find at any rate. I take Him with me wherever I go, including shopping. And He is a very, very PATIENT man! ;-)
Happy Blue Monday...
XO,
Sheila :-)
At my age, I do not decorate much anymore. It is too much work and no one sees it but me. I thing all the glitter and decorations are lovely, but leave that to others.
The blue duckie looks right at home, and I totally relate to your blueness. Holiday times make us all strive for perfectionism--something that's unobtainable, so then, we feel a bit useless. (sigh)
At the same time, the loss of parents--I've lost mine too--bring a bit of longing. You're handling your blueness the right way; taking time to reflect. Now begin to count those many blessings that God has given you, including his Son--the reason for the season. Soon, you'll be singing Christmas carols! Happy Blue Monday, Knitty.
Your blue duck is cute! I also like your "expectant grandma" button.
I enjoyed your post - yes, Christmas brings me both sad and happy memories too.
Yes, I do get blue at times this time of the year. But make the effort to be up too. I do wish I didn't have to work so much, then maybe I could enjoy the season better.
Thanks for your visit. And yeah, the candles have been blue for advent for awhile. I don't remember when the switch from purple to blue occurred in the Lutheran church. But I do remember using purple candles when I was younger.
Awww Knitty, I so understand what you're saying. I think everyone has their own little funk to deal with this time of year. Mine comes and goes, and like you I realize the value of allowing myself to experience and deal with it. After all, without the valleys those peaks sure wouldn't seem so sweet, would they? :)
I can sure identify with this. When you're 73 you've seen a lot of Christmases. I feel blue when I think of so many of my loved ones who are not around on this earth anymore. I shake it off and go on though because I have so much to be thankful for and I still love the Christmas season.
Blessings,
Charlotte
You seem to have reason for your blues and more importantly you are dealing with them. Each year we include a toast at the beginning of our special meals, "To absent friends." Small things keep the people we love with us. I hope you are having a good Blue Monday.
I totally know where you're coming from, Knitty. Take your one day of feeling blue, and then remember all the great fun and traditions you have with you from those who have passed on.
Dear Knitty, I think we all feel the same wayfrom time to time. I usually cry and feel sad when I am decorating my tree because of the memories it holds but we can't live in the past. We can feel blessed to have known those we loved for the time they were here but we also have to teach our children that we can move on. A preist once said "Look at Mary. She lost her son." It's true. sometimes families lose one another through estrangment. All we can do is go out and try to find the joy. Live for the moment and know that God is always here with us. On a blue day I make it a point to reach out. It always makes me feel better.
It can be stressful and with less days of sunshine it has an effect on my mood somedays too. Hang in there! Happy Blue Monday!
I'm taking one day at a time this season! Have a wonderful week!
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