Most of us are surrounded by family and friends during the holidays, but if you know of someone who is going to be alone during Christmas, I urge you to invite them to dinner with your family, give them a gift, sing caroles to them at their door, visit with them. Help to make the season bright for our senior friends. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a wonderful New Year.

Some of my senior friends are having a tough time this Christmas season. My neighbor asked me if I was wondering why she didn't have Christmas lights displayed and without missing a beat said it was because her husband died during the Christmas season two yars ago. We're new to the neighborhood and had no way of knowing.

The next day another friend of mine, barely a senior at 62 sent me an email with the news that her husband passed away unexpectedly. It was going to be a sad Christmas because all she had were memories now of their time together.

It begged the  question, what would I do if I was alone during this time of year? Would I be going through old scrapbooks looking at photos and remembering what my life was like when I was surrounded by family and friends? Would I be doing something to keep myself busy and maybe making someone else's life a little more enjoyable? Would I travel to a place I've always wanted to see and meet new people? Or would I crawl in my bed and pull the covers over my head, drowning myself in sorrow?

It's no secret that more seniors, and people of any age die or commit suicide during holidays. My guess is that they have an unbearable sadness they can't get out from under.

I remember a day when I was feeling particularly sad. A friend from church called and asked me what I was doing and I said nothing...quickly wishing I could take it back because she asked me to join her and help feed the poor. It turned out that not only did my own depression leave, it was truly one of the most enjoyable days I've spent.

Maybe the only way to lift your own spirits is to put your sorrow on the shelf, get in your car and help others. After all, that's what the true meaning of the season is anyway. It's just that we have forgotten with our lives so busy taking care of and enjoying our own friends and families.

It's not an easy task for anyone who is feeling depressed to suck it up and get out there. I know this because it's always so much easier to tell someone to do something, even if it's in their best interest. But if you are a senior who finds yourself alone during the holidays, please do something for yourself....get out there and make a new friend, see a new place, help a stranger. It could be the beginning of a new tradition for you and one you'll love.