Manatee's 'elves' have found secret to beating the holiday blues

MANATEE -- The secret of getting through the stress of the holiday season, according to some in Manatee County, could be to simply wear curled shoes a few afternoons over the next couple of months.

Every year, about 250 volunteers with the Salvation Army of Manatee County sort and pack toys that come in on trucks for the roughly 3,500 children who are signed up for Salvation Army's Angel Tree or Adopt-a-Family Christmas gift programs. The two programs supply 20,000 toys for needy local children.

"Wearing the curled shoes" is a phrase used by Salvation Army personnel to mean becoming a volunteer elf and packing and sorting, said Christine Smith of the Salvation Army.

These elves don't literally wear curled shoes, but rather sit in a room at the Salvation Army offices at 5328 24th St. E., Bradenton, for as many hours as they can give Monday through Friday through the season making sure each child's toy bag and family's toy box have the right toys and to rectify the situation if they don't, Smith said.

"Recognizing the struggles of others and to be a part of solving some of that absolutely creates a stress reliever," Smith said. "I would tell people who have never done it, come join us."

The elves will begin this week and those who wish to shake the holiday blues are urged to call 941-748-5110 and ask for Melissa Fernandez, volunteer coordinator and chief elf, Smith said.

"Just tell her you want to wear the curled shoes," Smith said.

Volunteer opportunities are also available this year at Turning Points, which helps the needy cope with rent and utility bills, medical and dental emergencies and other assistance at 701 17th Ave. W., Bradenton.

People can come and sing Christmas songs to those who gather in Turning Points' courtyard from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, said Margi Dawson, director of development at Turning Points.

"Engaging with our clients will make everyone feel better about the holidays," Dawson said. "Keep in mind, our clients often are separated from the family that they love so getting some love from the community makes a difference."

Volunteering just one way to beat holiday blues

Volunteering works to cope with painful memories of lost loved ones and long holiday to-do-lists because it lifts a person outside of themselves, said Cathy Wilson, director of community care for Centerstone, formerly Manatee Glens.

But there are other things that people can do as part of a strategic plan for getting through the holidays, which can cause weight gain, hair loss and sugar and blood pressure rises, said Wilson who is also a licensed mental health counselor.

Being realistic about what a person can and can't do is a tool to fix the November and December blues, Wilson said.

"There are only so many activities you can attend," Wilson said. "We tend not to want to turn down any invitation. But you have to be realistic with time. Write down how much time you want to devote to events and how much money you want to spend on gifts and stick to it. You will be glad you did. Especially over-spending. That can hit you after the holidays, too."

Exercise and diet are more tools that Wilson likes to give people for coping with the demands this time of year.

She says she counsel people to not abandon their regular healthy habits over the holidays.

"I think anything in moderation is OK," Wilson said. "I think it's OK to tell yourself, 'If I am going to splurge on food, I will need to devote 15 extra minutes on the treadmill or I will make it up by not skipping my spinning class.'"

Wilson, who often counsels Manatee County companies in helping their employees through the holidays, also recommends that employers consider putting holiday food in a community spot and not having it laid out in a place where people are continually tempted to nosh.

"It's good not to have food around all the time," Wilson said. "Having it in the breakroom or conference room only is a good idea."

Major Dwayne Durham, leader with his wife, Marion, of the Salvation Army of Manatee County, has five rules for getting through the holidays.

They are: "Don't put too much pressure on yourself, focus on relationships, give, find inner peace maybe through faith and don't give in to outside pressure."

"Retailers, understandably, are seeking to sell their products," Durham said. "Don't give in to pressure to buy if you can't afford to. That just adds more stress."

Durham said that waking up in darkness on Black Friday to stand in a line makes him think that people should ask themselves is it really that important.

"You lived without it before," Durham said.

As for the inner peace, Durham said: "Find a place to be alone for awhile and just breathe. Unplug and rest. That's vital to relieving holiday or any stress."

Parents who are not on good terms with each other should dispense with showing that in the presence of the children during the holiday season, Durham suggests.

"Focus on ensuring the children are cared for and have a positive experience during the holidays," Durham said.

Richard Dymond, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7072 or contact him via Twitter@RichardDymond.

This story was originally published November 9, 2015 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Manatee's 'elves' have found secret to beating the holiday blues ."