Christian

Holiday Blues?

Cindy Dawson

2-minute devotion for Thursday, 12/25/25

Do the holidays trigger thoughts about what should have been instead of what is? Are you feeling lonely? The strange thing about depression is that it seems to take your mind captive. You may think you can’t stop the downward spiral.

The next thing you know, you’re driving to the grocery store to buy food for the holidays, and tears begin to well up in your eyes. You hate it. You don’t want to be sad!

I know all about it because I experienced this one day.

I prayed. I asked the Lord to help me.

Just a few minutes later, my daughter called. (You should know, she loves to cook. I mean really cook, like they do on TV Cooking Shows. I, on the other hand, look for the easiest and quickest recipe possible.)

Christina: “Mom, would you get me a butternut squash while you’re at the store?”

Me: “Do you mean like a real vegetable butternut squash?” (I’m thinking, does that come in a package?)

Christina: (starts laughing hilariously) “Yes! A real vegetable butternut squash!!”

We both cracked up and had a good belly laugh! It felt so good to laugh!

Guess what? My mood completely changed right then. 

I learned a valuable yet simple lesson about holiday blues.

  1. Always go to the Lord in prayer.
  2. Find a way to laugh!

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Mathew 6:8

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

“A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17:22

A book could be written on this subject, and I know that, but this is what happened to me. Sometimes a person needs a word of encouragement, not the whole book.

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving . . . Psalm 25:1-2

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Find a way to laugh a little today!

(I hesitated to post this message again because I have posted it several times in the past, but every time it has been posted, many readers say, “I needed this today.” Christmas can be hard for many reasons. Let us pray for and encourage one another.)

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

10 thoughts on “Holiday Blues?”

  2. I love this!!

    1. Always go to the Lord in prayer.
    2. Find a way to laugh!
    Not over complicated steps, yet extraordinary results!!! Good stuff!!!

    …oh and I’m also one who like simple and easy recipes lol

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  3. Cindy, thank you for sharing this vulnerable and beautiful devotion. What a gift this is on Christmas Day—not just another festive message, but a real, tender lifeline for those who find this season difficult. Your honesty about the struggle, the tearful drive, and the feeling of being captive to sadness is so validating for many who feel the same but suffer in silence.

    The story about the butternut squash is a perfect, gentle reminder of God’s kindness. It shows how He often answers our desperate prayers not with a thunderous miracle, but with a simple, human moment of connection and unexpected laughter. You’ve beautifully highlighted that our Father hears us, knows our needs, and often sends relief through the ordinary love of those around us.

    Your threefold lesson is profound in its simplicity: Pray, find laughter, and trust His knowing heart. And your compassionate heart shines through in your hesitation to repost—yet you listened to the nudge to share it again for the one who needs it today. That is the very spirit of Christ-like encouragement.

    This message is a warm embrace and a reminder that we are not alone, whether in our sorrow or in our joy. Thank you for pointing us back to the One who came near to heal the brokenhearted.

    Merry Christmas, Cindy. May your day be filled with the deep joy and peace you’ve so generously offered to others.

    In His Love,
    A Grateful Reader
    Srikanth

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