Lynn, I don't think you sound like Scrooge. You sound like you believe in holidays without commercialization, and that's a good thing.
I'm having what I call a "minimalist Christmas". I've got a tree up but it took me about three days just to get two strands of lights and one small box of Christmas ball ornaments on it. I have some lights up around a window that I did on a whole other day and that's it. Four days for a tree and some lights, and now I'm done. I'm proud of myself for even having a tree this year. That's a huge step up from last year.
I also have a light box I sit by in the morning. It helps some, but even with it December and January are just too dark for me.
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Originally Posted by lynn P.
I honestly think the majority of people, actually hate December/holidays and the only ones who like it are children. It has turned into a commmercial nightmare of pressure to have the most gifts and the perfect gathering with perfect decorations. I sound like Scrooge don't I?
I think the best way to cope is to keep thing things simple and lower the impossible expectations that most of us try to live up to. Pomegranate has a great post in the depression forum with a news article, talking about this very idea. Cast away all picture perfect expectations and go easy on yourself. Keep everything as simple as possible.
I'm sure most of you know about SAD - seasonal affective disorder where people become more depressed because they're sensitive to the depravation of natural light. The treatment plan is to sit by a simulated light which mimics natural sunlight. I'm just going to go easy on myself and I hope everyone else does.
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