from L.D. Best: > Feeling less than joyous this time of year is NOT uncommon.
> Although days are once again getting longer, we've just had to live through three months of shorter and shorter days, and colder and colder temps. > All around us are ads and music and other miscellaneous propaganda -- all trying to convince us that the first week of winter is supposed to be a joyous and happy time, and anyone who is not out running around like a chicken with its head cut off, spouting joy/love/peace on earth, (while shopping 'til dropping, even if dead broke) is somehow an abberation. > It's a guilt trip created by religion and 'Madison Avenue.' > You are not required to believe it. > It is perfectly normal, and understandable, to be feeling as if someone just replaced your pumpkin pie with a cow pattie and still expects you to eat it with a smile on your lovely peaceful face. > The best solution is to acknowledge how you really feel, give yourself permission to feel that way, and keep on keeping on. > May you be warm, safe, and protected by a UPS -- real or virtual. I agree, and I have a UPS! Christmas is just a lot of commercial hot air designed to convince people they have to spend money for gifts neither the giver nor the recipient has any use for. I gave up Christmas shopping long ago, wish December could be more like any other time of year. Unseasonably mild weather, which has now given way to real winter, has left my body accustomed to warm weather. If the weather would jump back into summer and the room temperature go up to 29 C, I would be quite comfortable, and no cold feet in bed.