Christmas is a time that brings many different feelings. It brings joy and cheer, is a time for families to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Unfortunately for many, it also brings about loneliness, self-evaluation and questions regarding an uncertain future. Stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, financial constraints, and the inability to be with one’s family and friends. These all contribute to the common feelings of depression.

No one is immune from feelings of depression (even Elijah the prophet got depressed). But don’t let the holiday blues drown out all the good in this joyous season. Here are a few tips to escape those feelings of sadness.

Get the focus off yourself and on to others. A major reason for depression is self-absorption. We’re completely caught up and absorbed in ourselves. So do something for someone else!

Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. We live in a society that gives trophies to people who keep working non-stop. We fail to keep reasonable margins and get the rest we need.

Forget and Rebuild. Life brings changes. Leave “yesteryear” in the past and look forward to the future. We must learn to forget, regardless of yesterday’s good or bad. If it was good, take confidence into tomorrow. If it was bad, take wisdom. Then, be done with it.

Spend time with supportive and caring people. They say misery loves company, and when you’re surrounded by people full of misery, that’s how you begin to feel too. Don’t let someone else’s negative mood become your own.