How to Stop Being so Depressed around the Holidays ...

When you help others, you help yourself. You'll feel better after a few hours of helping the less fortunate. It'll make you learn to appreciate your own life.

If you're low on cash, don't waste all of your money on gifts. Your family and friends will be just as happy with handmade crafts as they'd be with expensive gifts.

If you don't have family to spend time with, you should spend time with your friends. After all, they're so close to you that you can consider them family.

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Don't let your visions of sugarplums keep you up at night. Make sure you take a break from shopping and decorating to get enough sleep.

Exercising can help you forget about how stressful the holiday season is. Pop in your earbuds, go for a run, and let your worries drift away.

Some of your family members are going to make nasty comments at Christmas dinner. Instead of arguing with them, just ignore them.

Don't compare this Christmas to your past Christmases. Things change over time. You can't go back to the past.

Don't go out in the heavy traffic or the cold snow. Stay inside and keep warm by the fire. You'll be happier that way.

It's tempting to pack your plate with food around the holidays. However, you're only going to feel guilty if you overeat.

Don't overdo it on the alcohol, either. It isn't going to solve any of your problems.

Don't agree to extra shifts at your office, agree to babysit, and do volunteer work all in the same week. You shouldn't put too much on your plate at once.

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Don't turn off the Christmas music as soon as you hear it. The cheeriness of it might actually put you in a better mood.

It's easy to have high expectations around the holidays. However, you need to be realistic. Otherwise, you're going to feel let down when Christmas actually comes.

You don't have to accept every invitation you receive to holiday parties. If you feel bad turning them down, only stay a few minutes, say hello, and then leave.

The stores are crowded around this time of year. To avoid the stress of them, do all of your shopping online instead of driving down to the mall and searching for a parking spot.

If you hate Christmas, because of all of the silly traditions, you can make new traditions. Turn the holiday into something you'll be excited for.

Don't forget to buy yourself a gift. A trip to a spa is just the thing you need to relax.

You don't have to be miserable the entire season. Do you love the holidays, or do they depress you?