Holidays evoke range of emotions

The holiday season produces a mixture of happy and sad feelings for many individuals.

I have heard many adults say, “I dread this time of year and can’t wait for the second of January.” Last week I discussed time savers for those who tend to overextend their time and energy during the eventful days of this season.

Today I want to talk about those who experience holiday blues.

Two areas of concern frequently are expressed:

Some worry about coping with the stress and strain of excessive behaviors.
Some dread the painful memories of happier times that will plague them.


Let’s talk first about the excessive behaviors the holidays bring on for many.

• Excessive eating and the possible weight gain it brings concerns many people. They fear exposure to festive occasions and high-calorie foods will undermine their willpower and result in an extra five to 10 pounds or even more. They know that after the holiday season has passed losing those pounds will be difficult.

• Overindulgence in alcoholic beverages is a grave concern to many people. As soon as the Christmas decorations go up, the advertising for wines and liqueurs begins. Although they don’t have to go hand in hand, many hostesses provide them during the holiday season when they omit them at other times.

• Another worry is the compulsive need to overspend. Feeling the need to remember everyone with an expensive gift can cause a financial deficit in January, and they feel bad if they cannot give generously to everyone on their list.

• Then there is the behavior of overcommitment. Many people try to do too much, go too many places, attend too many functions, a behavior that robs them of energy and can make the holidays unpleasurable. You should plan commitments with realistic goals and expectations.

The other area of concern during the holiday seasons is that of memories – reflection or of being with loved ones who are absent or deceased. If you must cope with feelings of loss during this emotional time of the year, do all you can to avoid loneliness. Find friends or a group of friendly people who will give you a new perspective. If you can, spend time doing something for someone or help someone less fortunate than you.

Instead of counting the days of the holiday season, look ahead to the New Year. Plan activities for January and February. Set new goals and become involved in something that will spur you on to new surroundings. Realize that memories of past Christmases will surface and when they do, find a distraction.

The holiday season need not be a time filled with stress and dread it preparation and thought are given to how the time will be spent. Don’t join the group that greets the New Year with fatigue and anxiety and who will spend the next month in a state of recovery.


Plan to hit Jan. 2 with the same waist size you were in early November.
Have your finances well in hand. Remember that simple gifts and greetings are appreciated. Extravagance doesn’t make up for sincere expressions.
Reflect on the season with positive feelings and enough reserve energy to tackle the New Year.


Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1989