Post-Holiday Anxiety – What Are the Signs?

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.

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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.  

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I want 5 minutes alone with . . . . .

Yes, yes.  We all know how much brilliant inventors and engineers have contributed to our lifestyles and well-being.  Their knowledge, skill, and inspiration are, well, inspirational.  In full disclosure, though, they’ve also had some lapses that drive us nuts.  On occasion, I’ve written to the manufacturers with simple requests to dismiss or lock up the minds that created some of their products, reinforcing my reputation as a GOM (grumpy old man).  It happens, but it’s all for our collective good.

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