As I’ve written before, there are a cluster of lesser-known psychological conditions related to the holidays, not perhaps even diagnosed by mental health experts, that have gone undetected and untreated. I have taken it upon myself, therefore, to identify them and describe the most recognizable symptoms for my faithful legion of readers. The “umbrella” condition, under which the others fall, is what I call Post-Holiday Anxiety, or PHA. I don’t believe there are any effective treatments yet, as the professionals concentrate on long-term, chronic situations. Besides, these conditions are usually temporary. By mid-January, most victims will see their angst begin to subside, and they are on the road to recovery.
Continue reading “Post-Holiday Anxiety – What Are the Signs?”Month: December 2024
2024 Christmas Cookie Bake – One for the Books
Yes, it is complete. The 2024 Christmas Cookie Bake. Saturday was the day. All of the excitement, second-guessing, the anticipation as baking sheets go in, and come out of the oven. And now, the cookies are settled snugly in their beds, well plastic storage containers, but still.
Continue reading “2024 Christmas Cookie Bake – One for the Books”Christmas Decorations: Too Much?
We all have ideas about decorating for the holidays, both inside and out. Some folks are minimalists. They favor a few touches here and there. Others go in for the lavish displays, making their homes look like Versailles if it were Christmas-themed. No spot left un-hollied, un-ivyed, untinseled, un-mistletoed. More candles and statuary than the Sistine Chapel.
Continue reading “Christmas Decorations: Too Much?”Holiday Traditions – Did you know?
In a television ad a couple of weeks ago, there it was. “Deck the Halls”. Sleigh bells jangling along. Do we really need to start the Christmas music weeks before we’ve reached Thanksgiving? I know that the marketing wants to get the season underway, and they’ve virtually blurred the season. But still? “Deck the Halls” in mid-November? Let’s wait a bit longer on the boughs of holly.
Continue reading “Holiday Traditions – Did you know?”
I'm Thinking...No! 