Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, special times for family and friends.
These times can be rough for seniors who are alone.
There are ways to battle the Holiday Blues.
"Get out and do something, call someone there are other people who are lonely," said Elise Mapp.
Mapp's husband of 63 years died four years ago. She buried her daughter two years ago. With upcoming holidays, memories of her loved ones are ever present.
But she chooses to move forward.
"I found out I could with my family, friends and my faith."
Reading and emailing are ways she stays busy.
She spends hours in a craft room, working on floral arrangements.
Her christmas wreaths are a favorite with her friends.
"Holidays tend to intensify grief and depression, it tends to put a spotlight on it and make it a lot worse," said Lori Berry.
Berry says lots of factors contribute to the blues; sadness, bad health, loneliness.
"You think you can handle it but you never know until you try it and you have to try lots and reject lots," said Mapp.
Berry says seniors need to stay healthy and be willing to talk about issues.
"Rely on your family and friends, your minister, talking to someone, counseling or just talking to someone who you trust."
Mapps says the holidays will never be the same.
"Well you just feel like you are not all there because you are not really."
But they are special because of memories and traditions she continues with the rest of her family.
When hope seems lost, Keep going; the blues can be beat.
"You may not be able to beat them 100 percent but there are definitely ways to minimize them so you have Happy Holidays."
Free counseling for seniors and their caregivers is available at the Center For Families in Shreveport.
You can call 222.0759 for more information.