Ever feel like this cartoon? That if you had to turn on the radio and hear one more freaking Christmas carol you would hurl the bleepety-bleep thing across the room? You’re not alone.

Getting together with family members we haven’t seen in a while and expecting perfection can bring us down, especially afterward when the holiday meal wasn’t at all what we had hoped for.

Too much advertising can be depressing, and put added pressure on us to buy more, decorate bigger. We can get through this by donating to a charity, focusing on our traditions, zeroing in on our beliefs, or spending time with people we love.

The shorter days and lack of sunlight for some folk really does affect their moods. “About ten-percent (now up to 20%, at least – note added by me) of adults living where snow follows fallen leaves, experience a rather serious depression professionally labeled as seasonal affective disorder. Those who experience this seasonal depression tend to have a mixed sense of anxiety and depression and agitation.” (Dr. Bill Knass, “Beating the Holiday Blues and Depression,” 2006) Just getting outside for ten minutes can make a big difference, or use light box therapy. Always, always, seek professional help.

Also, if you happen to celebrate Christmas and are feeling down, type in Blue Christmas Service in your area to attend one of these.

Whew, long-winded today!

Hope your day is lovely.

Peace out.