Reference Publications

Holiday spirits: beating the blues - Airman Consumer

Airman, Dec, 2002 by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung

"Ho, ho, ho!" is what we hear from most people during the holi-days. But there are those who want to utter, "Oh, no, no."

While some can't wait for the carols on the airwaves so they can get into the holi-day spirit, others want to curl up in the fetal position and hide under a table for two months. Still, for most, the holidays are about having fun, getting together with family and friends, and even overdoing things a bit. It's an American tradition.

So people tend to eat until they bust, And some drink until they perfect the "spiked eggnog waltz." Not everyone does that, of course. But the temptations to drink excessively are there.

That's not to say a holiday party or get-together has to be alcohol free. Drinking in moderation, with plenty of food, is not a bad thing.

Besides, Bevis, the holidays are about good cheer. And achieving "good cheer" doesn't mean getting tanked "so I can have a red nose like Rudolf."

There are plenty of ways to brighten your spirits without -- you guessed it -- alcohol. Besides, nonalcoholic drinks are cool these days. The "in" holiday hosts are those who offer tasty alternatives to alcohol.

With names like Aunt Arlene's Iced Tea and Zemi's Ginger Smoothies, booze-free drinks aren't for wussies. And they're perfect for all occasions.

Maybe you can concoct your own silly named drink for your party guests to laugh at. But if you want to just follow a recipsurf the Web for some holiday drink recipes. You'll be surprised at their diversity. Just go to a surf engine and type in "nonal-coholic holiday drinks." You're bound to come up with at least 10 pages worth of sites to browse.

These libations may not give you a buzz, but they'll keep you smilin' and drivin'.

And while the holidays are about spirits, for some it can bring on a case of the blues. Being in an unfamiliar land can bring it on. Or, missing your family.

And in some cases Christmas just isn't your thing.

Home alone -- no more

Whatever the case, there are ways to help keep your spirits in check. Aside from unit parties and chapel activities, there are lots you can do.

The National Mental Health Association has advice that can potentially help.

* When you see the early morning sun, go for a walk. Enjoy the still of the morning.

* Set some realistic goals. Remember, achieving a daily goal is a major accomplishment, too.

* Enjoy activities that are free. Go out and make a snowman. Reach out and make new friends.

* Celebrate the holidays In a new way by volunteering to help others. Food and toy distribution programs on and off base spread the holiday cheer.

Still at a loss for ideas?

Why not call your base family advocacy or family services offices. Just because their names say "family" doesn't mean they won't help you; they're in the know and are eager to help single folks, too.

"One of the biggest stressors around the holiday season," said Capt. Susan Bowes, a family advocacy officer at Wilford Hall Medical Center, "is that people over anticipate how the holiday should be, instead of simply enjoying themselves."

Top on her blues-beater tips is to plan days to shop or sightsee. Discover how your local community gets into the spirit of the season. Try asking a local co-worker to help you. They just might get a kick out of watching you try strange new holiday foods and customs.

And don't think chaplains only have church in mind. Their foremost concern is you.

Talk to them -- it's a safe place to vent.

"The spirit of the season, for most, is joy and celebration," said Chaplain (Capt.) Leslie Janovec, of Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

"It's important to stay active and connected to family and friends," Janovec said. It's also a time to feel the unity of what the old-timers call `the extended family' -- the Air Force family."