Reduce Holiday Stress With A Sense Of Humor

The holiday time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is unique in many ways.

For many individuals, this is the season for colds, flu, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression thought to be caused by shortened days and less exposure to sun light.

Another problem affecting many individuals at this time of the year is holiday season stress syndrome. This problem manifests itself in psychological difficulties related in part to excesses in spending, eating and holiday activity and is coupled with unrealistic expectations for a perfect holiday season.

Perhaps it would be helpful to begin this potentially stressful time with a look at some humorous quotes:

“Christmas is a race to see which gives out first- your money or your feet” –Unknown

“Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money.” –Unknown

“You know you’re getting old when Santa starts looking younger.” – Robert Paul

“Next to a circus, there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas Spirit.” –Ken Hubbard

“I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, “toys not included.’” – Bernard Manning

“Christmas begins about the first of December with an office party and ends when you finally realize what you spent around April 15 of the next year.” – P.J. O’Rourke

“Merry Christmas, nearly everybody!” – Ogden Nash

“A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.” – Garrison Keillor

“What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.” – Phyllis Diller

“I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was 6. Mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked for my autograph.” – Shirley Temple

“Why is Christmas just like a day at the office? You do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit.” – Author Unknown

Seeking balance and a healthy perspective can make the holidays have pleasant memories and positive learning experiences.

Try to think of them as a time of loving others by giving of ourselves rather than the need to be excessive and perfectionististic. And, please remember to laugh. Maintaining a sense of humor is important in coping with holiday season stress syndrome.