Whys and Wherefores

? Sir, what is 'Christmas blues' ?

The week after Christmas is a difficult season to many. It is a mini-season of limbo, an awkward in-between time, and people have different
ways of dealing with it. Some are still running on fumes from the emotional high. They may even try to extend the holiday an extra week, with
varying degrees of success. Others feel guilty for over-indulging in holiday sweets and are on a week-long shame fest.

They are already starting to make those New Year’s resolutions. Even others are dealing with the disappointment of another year gone by,
another December 25 come and gone, and a lingering feeling of emptiness after the last gift is unwrapped. There is so much hype and
expectation, building up to a single day. How does it live up to its potential? And what do we do the days after Christmas, when for many of us,
a good old-fashioned case of the blues settles in?

'Christmas blues' is a popular term for depression which is most common in those who are alone—without family, friends—or otherwise
‘disenfranchised’ during Christmas, a holiday traditionally shared with family members. In fact, holidays can be a time of great joy, celebration
and reconnection with family members. But for some, it can also be a time of great stress, and even sadness or loneliness. It can feel isolating,
and those feelings of isolation can make the Christmas blues even worse.

- Ms.Sailaja, Dhone, Kurnool district