Depression During Holidays
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Depression During Holidays
In Wikipedia one can find the story of “Good King Wenceslas", a Christmas carol that tells how a Bohemian king went on a journey, braving harsh winter weather to give alms to a poor peasant on the Feast of Stephen (December 26, the Second Day of Christmas). During the journey, his page was about to give up the struggle against the cold weather, but was able to continue by following the king's footprints, step for step, through the deep snow. The legend is based on the life of the historical Saint Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia or Svatŭ Václav in Czech (907–935). The name Wenceslas is a Latinised version of the modern Czech language "Václav".
Saint Stephen is believed to have been the first of the Christian martyrs and his death is still commemorated in a host of countries in one of the days after Christmas.
That the King was giving alms to the poor, the customary way of ceebrating the event, stresses the original tradition that the meaning of Christmas and the Feast of Stephen is givng- helping, not getting, unless of one speaks of the poverty stricken recipients.
These days the focus has changed, at least for many, from giving to getting. This appears to be a result of commercialization, days such as “Black Friday”, when merchants hope heavy sales will “put them in the black” rectifying their “bottom line” yearly sales figures and increasing the value of publicly held shares. “Cyber Monday” carries out the same theme for the computer industry, encouraging sales of laptop computers, pads, mobile phones and computerized wrist watches. The very wealthy may buy heavily computerized cars and trucks.
This helps the merchants and the sometimes over “gifted” recipients, but what of the “givers”? What about someone, ill from alcohol or substance abuse, who happens to be depressed? Why not try to find someone else who is also depressed? Talk to him or her. maybe suggest finding other depressed people and together figure out ways to lessen depression, such as helping, rather than receiving. Why not try it! Perhaps, like Good King Wenceslas’ servant, you will feel better, less depressed, less cold on a hard winter’s day, following the King’s footsteps, one step at a time, one day at a time!
A very merry holiday to you all and to all “Good Night”!
Bill[
Saint Stephen is believed to have been the first of the Christian martyrs and his death is still commemorated in a host of countries in one of the days after Christmas.
That the King was giving alms to the poor, the customary way of ceebrating the event, stresses the original tradition that the meaning of Christmas and the Feast of Stephen is givng- helping, not getting, unless of one speaks of the poverty stricken recipients.
These days the focus has changed, at least for many, from giving to getting. This appears to be a result of commercialization, days such as “Black Friday”, when merchants hope heavy sales will “put them in the black” rectifying their “bottom line” yearly sales figures and increasing the value of publicly held shares. “Cyber Monday” carries out the same theme for the computer industry, encouraging sales of laptop computers, pads, mobile phones and computerized wrist watches. The very wealthy may buy heavily computerized cars and trucks.
This helps the merchants and the sometimes over “gifted” recipients, but what of the “givers”? What about someone, ill from alcohol or substance abuse, who happens to be depressed? Why not try to find someone else who is also depressed? Talk to him or her. maybe suggest finding other depressed people and together figure out ways to lessen depression, such as helping, rather than receiving. Why not try it! Perhaps, like Good King Wenceslas’ servant, you will feel better, less depressed, less cold on a hard winter’s day, following the King’s footsteps, one step at a time, one day at a time!
A very merry holiday to you all and to all “Good Night”!
Bill[
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Originally Posted by PurpleKnight 
It's definitely true Bill, that the more I focus on other people, the better I feel, the more positive vibes I add to my own life, outward rather than inward somehow can be a boost to the soul!! 
, Bill and all.
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Originally Posted by Anna
Merry Christmas, Bill!
Bill
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Merry Christmas Bill.
I agree.
The supermarket near me has easter eggs on the shelves.
Its one spending spree after another.
Maybe I am feeling down and fed up, but I cannot wait until it is all over.
I wish you the best xx
I agree.
The supermarket near me has easter eggs on the shelves.
Its one spending spree after another.
Maybe I am feeling down and fed up, but I cannot wait until it is all over.
I wish you the best xx
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