Posted by galtin on November 9, 2001, at 22:45:08
In reply to Holiday Depression, posted by Rosa on November 6, 2001, at 8:20:06
> Many people tend to feel depression, anxiety, and confusion around the holidays? Often we do not know why. It is only after we sit down and sort through what our holidays were like when we were children that we realize the kinds of negative experiences that the holidays brought. Unfortunately, our children may be experiencing similar feelings. How do you deal with holiday depression?
I have detested "the holidays" for many years. I know some of the reasons. There is the stunning hypocracy typified in advertising of talking giving,love and generosity as a cover for greed and materialism. There are the expectations of relational bliss that are rarely, if ever, matched by reality. There is the stress of preparing and doing, preparing and doing. Then there are the manifold opportunities to see just that selection of people that you have heretofore managed to avoid over the past year. None of this is to mention my innate suspicion of anybody who is excessively cheerful at any time in the year. Plus, on the days around Thanksgiving, and during the weeks of Christmas and New Years I drank a quart of vodka a day. I should mention, though, that my intensity of loathing for these days can not be fully explained by any or all of these factors.Finally, two years ago I took a bold step out of annual martyrdom. I stopped giving or receiving gifts costing over $15.00. I said "no" to four out of five invitations and left early from the fifth ones. I scheduled diverting and pleasant activities-- movies, adventures in the woods, lunches, etc, with people I am close to, reading good books, going new places, and so on. All this has helped me feel less like a self-pitying victim and more like a run of the mill grouch.
Any other ideas, anybody?
galtin
poster:galtin
thread:13574
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011105/msgs/13743.html