Stress/Depression & The Holidays

[Guest guest]

Misty,

Thanks for the article on Holiday stress. All the advice given

was very sound. I myself have benefited from some of those

strategies in recent years.

 

I think a contributing factor for blues at this time of year IS

the unrealistic, overly-commercial expectations. I want to share

the title of a pretty amazing book that I've read this year. I

recommend " Under the Tree: Creative Alternatives to a Consumer

Christmas " . It was written in 1990 by David and Elizabeth

Morley.

 

At the beginning of the book is a note from the authors. In it

they say that 100 years ago we began to decorate in

mid-December. We made gifts or shopped for a smaller group of

people. The actual traditions and celebrations carried on

through New Year's day and for some cultures until Jan. 6th.

Bottom line: the build up was shorter and the celebrations

lasted longer. The focus wasn't on just one day of the season

and often small gifts were given throughout the holiday season.

 

The notion of working to help someone else is also echoed in

this book in everything from " green " decorating and gift ideas

to a SHARE Advent calendar. Each day you add to a small jar

depending on what the little slip of paper says. A very cool

way to countdown to Christmas. Today our slip said " for every

bed in your house add 5 cents to the SHARE jar " . the kids and I

had a great time making the calendar. They've opted to donate

the money to the safe disarmament of landmines. The best part

is that you can adapt the idea for your family and your wallet.

On average we put about 35cents a day in our SHARE jar.

 

This book is worth the read. It's a quick read, written in

everyday English with an emphasis on making Christmas a real

family holiday.

 

If you can't quite get off the merry go round quick enough have

heart and a relaxing bath! You can begin NOW to make the choice

to make the holidays easier next year. In fact, many people are

relieved to agree to not exchange gifts or to buy 2nd hand gifts

or to only buy for kids. And never forget the old stand-by

" secret Santa " with a price limit.

 

I know one of my friends is so thankful for a good hour of

talking over tea without disruptions. It keeps her going

through the stress.

 

Dawne

 

 

 

 

 

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