The Solstice, the Holidays, and Your Nerves

It seems like everyone is a little down and anxious around this time…so many family expectations, the short short days, the colds and flus going around, the dark and gloomy weather (well, in the Pacific Northwest anyway) and the general unease that comes upon us during holidays. (Did I do blank? Did I get enough blank? Did the post office lose all my mail? Will little Johnny like his gift? Etc.)

Some good remedies include:
–hot chocolate, spiced hot cider, your favorite coffee or tea – in large quantities.
–telling friends and family you love them.
–Seeking out holiday lights, places that make you feel calm (for me, bookstores.)
–Wrap yourself in your softest, warmest clothes. Wear the comfortable shoes for once.
–Read something that feels warm, like Dante’s Inferno.
–Remember the days will get longer, the sun will come back, and that everyone is human, so show a little extra patience with their/your craziness.
–Please suggest your own comforts and coping mechanisms in the comment section.

Despite the stormy weather, we’re going out to the other side of the water to see Christmas lights, I’m going to get my increasingly shaggy hair cut, and perhaps some other fun things. Though my first instinct is to hibernate, I have the feeling that getting out and doing things is part of the key to not going crazy during five hours of dim daylight.