With or without the 'source of origin' definitions we all know that Bah Humbug means get those holidays out of my face, get those holidays away from me! Yet, the holiday season is immediately upon us and many of us start to feel a bit humbugish as early as few weeks before Thanksgiving.

      However, as you must certainly know, the holidays themselves are not at fault.  It's generally the psychology of good old nature and nurture at work; and it's our emotional responses to those biological and environmental pushes and pulls that are the true culprits.

Biologicals

       Among  the biological factors, a quick review of the current  literature identifies SAD as a popular etiology.

...and that each year symptoms generally "start  in September or October and end in April or May."  

     Along with WebMD the MayoClinic.com site offers an abundance of information, as well, and suggest a SAD Coping and Support Treatment Plan that includes, seeing your doctor, following your doctor's plan, getting out doors, keeping your house light and bright, eating healthy, exercising, avoiding alcohol, practicing stress management, getting adequate sleep, socializing,  and  taking a trip to a sunny place if possible.

Environmentals

      Almost every popular magazine has an environmental discussion of how to effectively handle our minds and our bodies during the holidays. One of the most interesting is from a 2002 issue of O Magazine. In a list of Holiday Dos and Don'ts they suggest that: "These solutions will help you keep your sanity during the holidays. Do read them, and don't let the holidays drive you crazy! " The article provides four categories of discussion: Family, Gifts, Expectations, and Health.  Of which, being the  common denominator for all of our angst, and perhaps being especially appropriate for Thanksgiving - "Family" is my favorite.

Do's and Don'ts to Manage Holiday Blues

The DO's of managing holiday blues:

Do follow the three basics for good health:
...eat right.
...get plenty of rest.
...exercise regularly.

Do set realistic goals:
...organize your time.
...make lists.
...prioritize.
...make a budget and follow it.

Do let go of the past and create new or different ways to celebrate.

Do allow yourself to feel sad, lonely or melancholy -- these are normal feelings, particularly at holiday times.

Do something for someone else.

Do enjoy activities that are free.

Do spend time with people who care about you.

Do spend time with new people or a different set of friends or family.

Do contact someone with whom you have lost touch.

Do give yourself a break -- plan to prepare (or buy) one special meal, purchase one special gift, and take in one special event. The rest can be ordinary, but will seem special because of the time of year and the people you're with.

Do treat yourself as a special holiday guest.

The DON'Ts  of managing holiday blues:
Don't drink too much alcohol.

Don't overindulge in holiday foods, especially those that are high in sugar and fat.

Don't have unrealistic expectations of yourself or others.

Don't dwell on the past.

Don't focus on what you don't have.

Don't spend money you don't have.

University of Maryland Medical Center Mental Health Guide
http://www.umm.edu/mentalhealth/holdos.htm

Do be flexible with your partner. Some traditions are definitely worth fighting for—but you may be able to let others go.

Don't force yourself to revel. If office parties or family gatherings are painful, acknowledge your need to celebrate in your own private way.
 

Don't isolate yourself. Seek out kindred souls and spend time with them. If you're newly divorced, join a support group, volunteer at a homeless shelter, or shop for elderly neighbors so you have some human contact.

     In closing, however, the best article for our "Bah Humbugism"  is an article by Brunilda Nazario, MD, Health Tip: Holiday Dos and Don’ts. Her article summarizes the main points of the others and  reminds us of what we already know!

     The holidays [are] about making good memories, not about making things perfect.

Do think about what's important. Happiness and fulfillment lie in the balance between self-care and caring for others.

Do socialize. If you're feeling lonely, find a church or community center where you can be with other people.

Do exercise every day. That's especially important when you're eating more. It's hard to be sad if you're physically fit.

Don't watch TV. Most programs are not designed to make you a better person, or even feel better.

Don't spend so much. You don't have to buy electronic entertainment equipment that far exceeds the human sensory capability to detect the difference.