By definition, a holiday is a vacation – a break from work for leisure activities. In reality, however, holidays can become more like a disruption of comfortable routine, a time when annual stressors and triggers slither down the chimney in the form of irritating relatives, unresolved family matters, or an overwhelming urge to be everything to everyone.

With the holidays just around the corner, please take some time to reflect on the stressors and triggers that you commonly encounter over the holidays and how you plan on keeping at least one of them under wraps. Perhaps you’re committed to maintaining a regular sleep schedule, spending more or less time with particular family members, or skipping the mass mailing of greeting cards.

Do you usually find the winter holidays more or less stressful than your usual routine? If mood maintenance becomes more of a challenge around the holidays, do you find you struggle more with depression or mania? Name one major stressor you encounter almost every holiday season. How do you typically deal with it or plan on dealing with it this time?

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From Psych Central's website:
PsychCentral (December 18, 2009)

    Last reviewed: 18 Dec 2009