Two weeks ago in this previous post I identified 6 contributing factors to Unhappiness. Several weeks ago in this previous post I identified 8 ingredients for Happiness, and then expanded upon that with the creation of the Periodic Happiness Table of Elements. I've been thinking this week about the holiday season and specifically why and how it impacts our Happiness and Unhappiness, and have identified various factors and elements from the aforementioned posts and pages that may give us more control, if we choose to heed their advice.

I think the 'Why' (though it is connected to various factors and elements) is effectively explained across the board as simply 'unrealistic expectations.' Throughout hopelesshappiness.com we encourage moderation and a perspective grounded in reality. Disappointment when reality does not match up with expectations, certainly impacts Happiness. In some cases the 'Why' may be centered around other's expectations; you can play through some of those scenarios, either from experience or stories, in your head; (if you've never seen the movie Home For the Holidays with Holly Hunter and Robert Downey Jr, it is a great example of clashing expectations). In our materialistic culture filled with narcissistic marketing ('Narketing') the bar is set high, yet it does not take much to drive many of us over the top in this 'Happiest' (tongue-in-cheek) of Seasons. Unfortunately, even for many otherwise well-balanced people, Holiday Happiness can take on a manic vibe; (I think of nutcracker marionettes on speed).

That brings us to 'How' we whip ourselves into such a frenzy, or depression, and more importantly, how we can keep from doing so; which thinking about it is really the same question - just a matter of degree. Of the previously mentioned contributors to Unhappiness and ingredients for Happiness, the usual suspects that wreak havoc this time of year include Worry, Overindulgence, Squandering, too little or too much Human Interaction, and Superficiality (little or no Complexity or Depth). It seems from about a week before Thanksgiving to a week after New Years, Life takes a prolonged cigarette break, and productivity plummets. This year I am going to make a concerted effort to stay balanced between Thanksgiving and New Years, cut back on my 'too much', and look for opportunities to rev up my 'too little'.

Additionally, the 'too much' crowd should seek those whose Holiday Happiness is impacted by 'too little' and transfer some of the 'too much' in their direction. If you look at the Periodic Happiness Table of Elements you will see this listed as Compassion / Altruism; a suggested Guiding Principle that (I believe) enriches Happiness.

So whether you scale back, spread the cheer and wealth, or simply relax more and avoid the hype -

HERE'S WISHING YOU AND YOURS A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!