Happy Thoughts About Christmas

Happy Thoughts About Christmas-Ever since I had the stroke, emotionally,
Christmas has been a difficult time for me. This Christmas is no different.
After a couple of dreary, depressed days, I decided that I was being ridiculous.
So I made up mind to focus on happy thoughts about Christmas instead of
thinking about all I am missing out on. That may not entirely eliminate my
spells of depression but I am sure that it will lessen the frequency of
them.

The most happy thought about Christmas is that God sent Jesus into the world
and, because of His eventual deaths on the cross, I am going to Heaven after
I die to live with him forever. That puts things in perspective for me. Yes,
I am missing out on some things now but, in Heaven. When I let myself get
depressed, it is because I have stopped thinking about what really matters
about Christmas.

Another happy thought I have about Christmas is the music. I love Christmas
music, especially songs that point to Jesus. My favorites are the old
carols. I enjoy most of the newer songs about Jesus but there is just
something about the old carols. Whether new or old, though , in the afternoon
while resting in bed, I like to listen to the lyrics that talk about the
birth of Jesus. Most of the time, they keep Christmas in proper perspective
for me.

Another happy thought about Christmas is the decorations. To me, they help to put
the merry in "Merry Christmas". Christmas decorations are so cheery. I
always have a few decorations plus a small tree in my room. This year, my little "adopted" granddaughter, 5, helped
decorate. Seeing her excitement really blessed me. Christmas is about Jesus
but it is also about small children.

Another happy thought about Christmas is the gifts. I may be a grandma but I still look forward to getting gifts. (who doesn't?) Now, though, what is inside the gift isn't as important as just being remembered, either though a gift or card. Of course, right now, I can't open my own gifts but, for that, I have my dear little "adopted" grandchildren.

Another happy thought about Christmas is the food. Especially if it is not hospital food. I really enjoy Christmas baking. People make such yummy things. Fortunately, I usually don't get too much or I wouldn't fit in my wheelchair! Oh, and I can't forget about the chocolate. I love chocolate and usually get a lot of it as gifts. The good thing is that I now have my "adopted" family to share it with me.

The last happy thought about Christmas is friends. One thing that, since the stroke, has always been hard on me is knowing that Christmas is such a family time but not being able to spend time with my family. However, I have wonderful friends who make Christmas as nice for me as possible. Thinking of all the Christmases in Long-term Care, there has only been one year that I remember that I didn't have somebody to spend at least part of Christmas with me. Sometimes they have come to Long-term Care to open gifts or, other times, I have been able to go to their place. It may not be the same as family but it is a mighty good second!

As I was writing this, I realized that whether or not I am depressed at Christmas is really up me. No doubt, depressing thoughts will come to me but it is up to me to kick them out and replace them with happy thoughts about Christmas,