It may be heralded as the “season to be jolly,” but December can be a dark time for many. Therapists’ offices are filled with those who are suffering from depression. Judith Bristol, a New York therapist, says that the problem is often “S.A.D.” She’s not voicing an emotional comment, but shorthand for Seasonal Affective Disorder, triggered by the short winter days, darkness setting in too early.

We’re surrounded by festive scenes –- glittering department store windows, the dazzling tree in Rockefeller Plaza, holiday songs airing endlessly, Santa coming to town – yet many of us feel blue amidst all this. It’s not helped by a frantic schedule of shopping and hosting. While for those of us whose families are far away, there can be a pervasive sense of loneliness.

I usually fight the doldrums with a pen or computer, for writing lifts my spirits more than almost anything else. (Haagen- Dazs chocolate is a close second.) A depressed mood eats away at my energy, and I find it harder to write when I’m in that state.

It can also affect what I write about. I came across a short story I wrote one winter, that was never published. Rightly so, for it was a dismal view. The story is of a grandmother longing for her young grandchildren, but limited most of the time to “visiting” via Skype. I killed her off at the end, a lonely victim. Recently I wrote a fiercer ending to give her more strength. Sort of my anti-December version. The story may or may not be more successful, but writing it brightened my spirits.

What we write about comes from within us, even if it’s masked as fiction. But what, really, are we trying to say? I find that the most inspiring stories are about people who refuse to be clobbered by foes, without or within. People who determinedly reach for – and risk for – the light.

Which brings me to this week when I’m writing these words. It’s Chanukah, the Jewish “Festival of Lights.” A holiday that commemorates the time 2000 years ago when five courageous Maccabee brothers led a rebellion against a mightier oppressor and won freedom for the Israelites. Reclaiming their Temple, they wanted to light the sacred lamp again, but the enemy had left them only enough untainted oil for one night. As every Jewish child is heartened to learn, the oil miraculously burned for eight nights.

This is the kind of story we need, one that kindles hope. The type of scenario that pulls us up. The “High Noon” sheriff refusing to be cowed when out-numbered by the villains, and almost single-handedly (unbelievably?) beating them.

I’m not propagandizing for happy-ever-after fiction. These stark days, that wouldn’t even be imaginable. But we can create characters who remind everyone that darkness isn’t forever, and strengthen ourselves in the process. Let’s try to live and write as if we believe we have the power to turn on that light.

WEBSITE: www.annehosansky.com
BOOKS: “Widow’s Walk” – iUniverse.com; “Turning Toward Tomorrow” -Xlibris.com; “Ten Women of Valor” and “Role Play” — CreateSpace.com, Amazon & Amazon Kindle