Mnay young and old have chronic physical pain. During the holidays their strive to keep up but painfully both physical and emotionally, their depression is overwhelming.
I'd like to see facts on how to's dealing with this serious downfall. I chair a chronic pain group and will forward this information.
Thankyou

Hello, this is a thank you to Gregg Krech. This past month has really had me on emotional highs and lows and I feel so depressed. I read your entire article and the suggestions are what I call "real life applications". I am a born again Christian and people think because of this you are exempt from these low feelings of depression and the like. When I try to talk to friends and family, they just don't get it. I know "This too shall past", but it helps to know someone understands. With prayer and the suggestions you listed, I know I will be fine. Thanks agains and God Bless.

I really hate to bother y'all...But, at this time of year I usually take the time to remind people about things that have happened throughout the year that should make us extremely grateful that we are who, what, and where we are right now. In years past, I have sent out Christmas cards with reminders about recent disasters, (like fires, tornadoes, floods, chemical spills, etc.) important people who have passed out of our lives,(like Mother Theresa) or the current situation in the world regarding the war in Iraq, the flailing economy, political strife or anything else that might escape our attentions as we run around the shopping malls spending money frivolously or decorating our beautiful homes for the Holidays, while others may be far away from their families, friendless or even homeless.

This year I am taking the opportunity to speak out about something of which few of us may be aware. That, our world is changing fast, ---faster then many of us can keep up with, --- and we must always remember that these are "The Last Days." That, these changes are occurring so that we can prepare for the “New World of Righteousness,” that is coming, very soon. I do not mean to frighten anyone, or to be the harbinger of bad news, or to sound too spooky, crazy, or weird... I just wanted to remind everyone that God does not ever take a holiday whatever the situation. He is " on-call" 24/7, and his job is far from being completed despite whatever atrocities are taking place in the world right now. In fact, his main task is just about ready to begin;--- that of taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves in the face of extreme adversity.

It has always been my dream to get people to stop giving to the greedy and to give more to the needy for the holidays. We cannot destroy thousands of years of history and tradition in one fell swoop, but, I suggest that instead of giving unnecessary presents to unappreciative people who already have more "things" than they could ever possibly use, or giving your bad-assed children one more new toy that they are only going to break up the week after Christmas, that you find a family or even just one or two people in your neighborhoods who would appreciate receiving a special gift from you and your family.

I am not suggesting that you invite a homeless person to dinner (or anything dangerous like that), but how about stopping by that little old lady who lives down the street's house and seeing to it that she has a good hot meal, a warm coat, or a nice pair of slippers to wear for the winter? We really need to teach our children that giving and taking care of our fellow humans is a whole lot more important than waking up Christmas morning to a living room fully of wrapping paper. I am quite sure that there are some people you know, who may not qualify for Welfare, or who do not belong to your particular church, who could benefit from your generosity. And, let's remember to keep up the spirit of sharing and giving throughout the year, not just during the holidays.

Thanks for listening and have a safe and happy Holiday Season!

Sincerely, Ms. Carla J. Miller

Just I am glad that I feel thankful for any little thing I get.