reprinted from ontheRock magazine ~ the DOTR founding publication

Ringing bells, flashing tinsel, the relentless scream of wrapping paper and cash registers working overtime, these are the unmistakable characteristics of the holiday season.
 
Originally intended as a special time to gather with family and significant others, Christmas has become a massive mogul of power shopping, acquiring skills in family diplomacy, and designing nearly impossible resolutions for a fresh year. Although the prognosis may seem bleak, there are ways to deal with the stress and recover from the shell-shock synonymous with the holiday blues.

To deal with some of the holiday blues symptoms there are a few stress busters that may help you avoid the infamous padded room.

1) arranging a quiet time may allow you to target specific projects that require higher degrees of priority.
2) inhaling deeply, holding your breath for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly will help your tension disappear.
3) a short walk can also be very helpful, not to mention great exercise.
4) the last rule of thumb for mild effects of stress is perhaps the most difficult for the perfectionist, or those individuals who do everything independently.  Sharing your feelings with another person is a great way to erase the nagging strain of life.  Talk with a coworker, a trusted friend, or a family member.  Discuss the situations that are making your life a pressure cooker.  Laugh a little, and you might just realize that other people are wrestling with similar problems.  There is a chance your problems pale in comparison.  Imagine that!  Taking time to reflect with another person is great therapy and will more than likely turn the temperature of your stressful life below the boiling point.
 
Although the chore of planning a holiday celebration can be as draining as a full-time job, the effect of less-than-perfect family relationship can also turn holidays into a series of dreaded encounters.  Many families have this idea of what Christmas should be about: people that love and support each other, and being together for a special time.  This doesn't happen in a whole lot of families, and so Christmas becomes a real downer.  For many of the people Christmas is probably the hardest time of the year. The spirit of giving and happy Christmas songs emphasizes that everyone should be together.  This can be very stressful time for people.
 
To break the monotony, and perhaps weaken some of the negative reminders of past holidays, Lins recommends a list of Christmas blues breakers that work by halting annual rituals. 

1) instead of the traditional dinner at home, consider the benefits of dining out with family members and friends.  Not only will this take some of the work out of the holidays, but can serve as a catalyst for healing if a loved one has died. 
2) allowing a person to stay with you during the holiday season can ease the tension.  Invite a college student who was unable to travel home for Christmas, a great way to share the season with another person. 
3) instead of going through the cumbersome process of decorating your house with lights, do something different, such as hanging a wreath to symbolize the season.  Putting a Christmas tree in a different location within the house can add a different perspective as well.  Managing time effectively by writing down lists, and concentrating on the most important things are two remaining ideas that may enhance the Christmas spirit.

Although no holiday celebration will ever be perfect, monitoring expectations, and keeping one's mind off troubling memories is the best way to create and atmosphere of giving.
 
How about some unexpected fun for guaranteed relief of the holiday blues?  Take the time to gain a second wind with these options that won't devastate your wallet. Take your family on a winter outing.  Wisconsin is known for it's vast openness and established woodlands. Cross country skiing has been a long time favorite of state residents and tourists.  Equipment is relatively cheap, easy to set-up, and cross country skiing is considered one of the best overall exercises around.  If skiing isn't your idea of fun, a great afternoon of ice skating at the local rink will remind you of your youth.  This could also be a fun Christmas gift idea that may get you and your kids out from in front of the television and enjoy a day of twirling on the ice, or a friendly game of hockey.  Plan and exciting winter "dash through the snow on a one horse open sleigh".
 
There are several indoor activities that are available if the weather is uncooperative during the gray winter days.  Doing a special workout at your local health Club or YMCA can lighten the stress and renew your attitude.  Your body will thank you, too!  Another suggestion may be signing up for a relaxation workshop or a meditation group, which are offered at many of our community hospitals and clinics, as well as from private practitioners.