Holidays should be joyful and full of pleasure, however for many people sadness falls upon them and they become terribly lonely. These terrible sad and lonely feelings are commonly called holiday blues or holiday depression. 

While you can experience holiday blues or depression during any holiday it most commonly occurs during the Christmas season. What causes the holiday blues? Medical experts at the University of Maryland tells us that increased stress, fatigue, change in daily routines, change in diet, unrealistic expectations, inability to be with family, over commercialization and memories of past holiday celebrations are all contributing factors to the cause of the holiday blues. 

How do you know if you are suffering from the holiday blues? Symptoms of the holiday blues may include decreased interest in activities that ordinarily bring pleasure: entertainment, hobbies, food, sex, friends and work. You can make it through this period by finding someone to talk to, such as a family member, minister, friend, physician or professional mental health counselor. 

On December 8, 2003 I was experiencing the holiday blues, but mine set upon me because my brother, Melvin Julius Griffin Jr. was critically ill in the hospital. My brother, Melvin Jr. (Mann) was a juvenile diabetic. He was nine years old when he was diagnosed with diabetes. Thirty-eight years later at age forty-seven he was in a deep coma and fighting for his life after suffering a massive stroke. My family and I lost him on December 18, 2003.

Almost four years later, My mother Alger Griffin passed away on April 30, 2007. We buried her the day before Mother’s Day. So here I am experiencing the first Thanksgiving without my dear old mother. The holidays are especially challenging for those who have lost a loved one or are facing many seasons without them. Memories of holidays past and loved ones no longer present.

My family and friends know that they are the most important people in the world to me. When they pass on I have no regrets because I am certain that anyone who is the beneficiary of my love and admiration knows it. There are never any unresolved issues with me. You know my motto has always been “You only live once and if you live it right once is all you need. This holiday season let your family and friends know just how important they are to you. This could be the last holiday you will have with them. Cheer up and as the late James Brown would say: “Get on the Good Foot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the words of my dad: “Stay away from the pig ears and fried pork chops.  Eat more fruits and vegetables.”