Christmas isn't so merry for all of us

Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
December 25, 2024

If you had a not-so-merry Christmas, you're not alone.

If you felt you didn't fit in with family and friends over the last few days, no one will ever see a commercial in which you are not celebrating. Commercials are intended to pull heartstrings enough to cause you to buy what they're selling, so reminding them that people are suffering instead of celebrating would be a downer. We get avoided and, most of the time, ignored. Many of us don't have anyone, so we spent today alone, remembering when we had people in our lives and reasons to celebrate.

I avoid news, coverage of Christmas parades, and anything related to Christmas on TV. Instead, I watch supernatural movies and shows on streaming channels, so I won't have to see commercials reminding me of how we're supposed to be happy.

If you have #PTSD, surviving the "IT" was just the start of our adjusting to the new normal no one warned us about. Usually, we're surrounded by people who don't know what it's like for us, and most of the time, it's because we won't tell them. It may sound strange, but we can isolate even with people around us.

Here are reminders that while you may feel lonely, you are far from alone.

You don't have to have PTSD to be alone.

America's top doctor declares LONELINESS an epidemic and warns it's as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day

Millions of Americans will be celebrating on their own this Christmas amid a nationwide loneliness epidemic, a survey has revealed.

Lonely night: Interactive map reveals how many Americans will spend Christmas alone in YOUR state

A new poll showed that around 19 million Americans are due to spend Christmas alone this year, which is one in 14 adults.

Over a Million New Yorkers Are Spending Christmas Alone

A recent study found that more than a third of adults 45 or older experience loneliness, with nearly a quarter of adults 65 or older considered socially isolated.

The research cited in the report shows this has been happening even before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Increases in the risk of anxiety, depression, heart disease, dementia and stroke were also linked to the lack of social connection.

Spending Christmas alone this year? How to make the most of it New York psychologist Dr. Bryant Williams agreed, noting that being alone during the holidays "accentuates existing problems."

So there you have it. You are not alone being alone. Tomorrow will be a different day. I usually spend it shopping to buy things I need on sale. I have more money to do it since I'm not spending money on Christmas decorations no one will see. Gee one more helpful hint, look on the bright side of even this.