Escaping the Christmas bleak

And…we’re stuck.

It happens. Regular Just Wright Citrus readers know it’s not all that uncommon for me to whip up 700 words on nothing, like an episode of “Seinfeld.”

See, Friday is my Christmas card blog. And on Wednesday, I wrote about cute, cuddly Bunny (who, right on cue, chewed up my Janet Barek pen). Since it’s generally frowned upon to broach any serious subjects this close to Christmas, we’ll postpone my in-depth Barge Canal boat ramp analysis till 2025.

---

That left me at 5:30 on Wednesday, tapping my fingers on the keyboard wondering how to fill Thursday’s space.

I did what I always do under similar circumstances: Wing it:

— Attended a groundbreaking Wednesday morning for the LifeStream Behavioral Center Citrus County campus in Lecanto. This is what we used to call the Baker Act project, but it’s turned into so much more.

I’m not going to get into all that right now, but Wednesday’s ceremony was a stark reminder that it’s Christmastime and many in our community are suffering.

Depression, mental illness, alcoholism, addiction, and the general feeling of loneliness is much more acute right now. 

For me, December is a daily grind. No kidding. Christmas is brutal to my psyche and it’s been that way since I was a little kid. I tend to fall into very deep funks this time of year. Wish I could explain it. Also wish it would go away.

This year has actually been better than most. The community has a lot to do with that. I sense a true spirit in Citrus County these days, especially since August. This county is primed for good things.

Not going to belabor the point. I mention the holiday depression thing just to remind folks that we’re not all there if you get my drift.

— Along those lines, Club Recovery of Citrus County will have a 36-hour Christmas “alcathon” starting at 8 a.m. Christmas Eve. 

Here’s how it works: 12-step meetings every other hour. Food and fellowship for the in-between time. Recovering addicts and alcoholics who struggle during the holidays are encouraged to attend.

These things were invaluable to me in early sobriety. My first Christmas without booze 18 years ago was an eye-opener. Spending the evening with fellow 12-steppers — and then waking up the next day remembering the entire night — is the way to go.

Very grateful for a sober Christmas. Message me if you’d like more info about that.

— My friend Albert John says he’s received some Christmas cards from Just Wright Citrus readers. I am so delighted that folks took the time to do that. It’s not too late. If interested, here’s his address:

Albert John Toth
The Pavilion of East Tampa
2425 E. Hanna Ave, Tampa FL 33610.
​
— Is your Christmas shopping done? I’m thinking of starting mine on Monday. We’re gonna see just how special the new Lecanto Target really is.

— Went with the real tree this year, and glad I did. The house smells piney.

I’m one of those bleeding hearts who feel sad seeing the Christmas trees that don’t sell. You know…it’s Christmas Eve eve and five or six trees are sitting there on the lot, no one to fawn over them.

Everyone should have someone at Christmas. Even a little tree.

— That’s all I can muster for today. Didn’t make it to 700 words. Don’t tell Elf on the Shelf.

Have a terrific Thursday, friends.

Join the discussion on our Facebook page.
​
Enjoying the blog? Please consider supporting it at Venmo, PayPal, or Patreon.
​