What are the "Christmas Blues"?

The holiday season is supposed to be "the most wonderful
time of the year," but in actuality, it is a stressful time and that can cause mild
depression in people.  There is always a lot to do -- decorate the house, shop and wrap
gifts, bake, entertain, and other social events.  Any of those things may be great, but
when considered in their totality, it can be overwhelming.  People get thrown out of
their routines and can have a hard time coping.

There is
also the build up of the expectation of it being a wonderful time of year.  Then when
its not all wonderful there is a let down that may be mild for some, and deeply
depressing for others.  Everyone wants to have a perfect holiday, but that's not
realistic, and that realization can have negative psychological
consequences.

Another thing about the holidays that can be
hard is that it is a time that is supposed to be about family, but not everyone has good
relationships with all of his or her family, or a family member who has passed away or
is gone for some reason is especially missed, and that can be hard as
well.

Christmas can be wonderful -- but not for
everyone.