Endless POFibilities -- December 2000

Beating the POF Holiday Blues

Some of our support group members submitted their ideas and experiences in beating the Holiday blues:

1. Go Christmas (or Hanukkah, etc) shopping for YOURSELF. Get something you have really been wanting all year. Don't feel guilty, you have earned it.
   
2. Seek out at least one special "new" ornament each year. Search for an ornament that somehow reflects your experiences in the past year. Call it your "Memory Tree" and this will make decorating more exciting as you unpack each ornament.
   
3. Another idea regarding the ornament. Buy two (or more), then instead of exchanging Christmas presents with a long distance friend, exchange the ornament. Include a note as to why this ornament is significant to you and your friend.
   
4. If some surrogate parenting would help, participate in the many programs going on during the holidays. For example, big brother/big sisters, toys for tots, angel tree programs. Or volunteer at your local school, or your local church, they are always looking for volunteers during the Holidays.
   
5. Attend events, don't stay at home. There are numerous plays and musicals going on during the Holidays (some are even free!!).
   
6. take a trip, and take plenty of pictures. Get involved in a creative memories or scrapbooking class (great therapy!!!).
   
7. Bake goodies, and deliver them to your friends and neighbors. You may even want to bring some to your local Nursing or Retirement home.
   
8. Doing for others is fantastic medicine and wonderful therapy. Don't be afraid to try it.
   
9. Last, but not least, pamper yourself, PAMPER, PAMPER, PAMPER!!!!!!!!

POF Point of View: A Husband's Story