Help for the holidays and a little bah-humbug

“One of the most important ways to reduce stress is to ask for help. This works not only during the holidays, but also all year ’round.” – Dr. Daisy Sutherland

Last week on NPR, there was a fascinating segment on the topic of why so many people secretly dread the Christmas season — even though it’s supposed to be a celebratory season of nonstop merriment. Rates of depression typically rise between Thanksgiving and December 31st, with many folks reporting feelings of sadness.

For others, the holidays simply add another layer of stress. Some of us have trouble saying “no” when it comes to stuffing every moment in December with perpetual activity and balancing the gift budget.

This year, make a point of asking for help when you need it. Delegate when you can. You might enjoy yourself more if you’re not the only one doing all the shopping, wrapping, decorating, Christmas-card addressing, meal planning, party planning, baking, cooking, housecleaning, and hosting. Don’t be emotionally blackmailed by those cheesy holiday commercials that make you feel like a loser if your house doesn’t look like the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

And whenever you can, give yourself the gift of a long winter’s nap.~CL