Avoiding The Holiday Blues

 By Tim Kuss, LADC, LMFT

As we approach the winter holidays it’s good to remember that they can be difficult to negotiate for some of us.

I remember, for example, visiting my parent’s home in a small town for a few days around Christmas. I became delusional and found myself driving around town in the middle of the night. I eventually wound up at the power plant because there were people there.

I was into my old “There’s something special for me” thinking. They eventually figured out who I was and called my parents.

One of my theories about holiday stress is that we have such high expectations. When we were kids it was a magical, miraculous time. As adults we may become aware of the loss of that magic. Now, our losses and our lack of accomplishments may loom large.

It may be best to keep our expectations down. Just plan to have an OK time for the holidays. Aim for comfortable get-togethers with your family and friends.

Forget about big presents!

Survive. If anything better happens then you’re ahead.

It’s hard to be disappointed if you don’t set yourself up for it.