The real reason you get grumpy over the holidays — and 5 things you can do about it

http://aleteia.org ^ | 12/21/2016 | Zoe Romanowsky

[heterosupremacist]

Long lines everywhere, too much on the to-do list, the obligatory Christmas dinner with relatives who get on your nerves, and another Advent come and gone that you never quite got around to observing the way you hoped. It’s enough to trigger grumpiness and zap anyone’s Christmas spirit.

But there’s a deeper reason why many of us don’t experience the Christmas cheer we long for and it’s this: our focus isn’t on the manger. In all the busyness and preparations, we forget what the feast of Christmas is really about and about how to tap into the joy and peace of the season. So this Christmas holiday, if you find yourself fighting grumpiness, here are five things you can do:

[MplsSteve]

Christmas in itself does not make me grumpy.

It does make me, on occasion, a bit melancholy about Christmases past when I was younger and wishing I could see my Grandma, my mom and my pets again.

[Organic Panic]

I have a torn ligament on my ankle. That’s why I’m grouchy.

[Night Hides Not]

Christmas came early for me this year. I discovered the website of my favorite winery from Germany. Not only was the wine as good as the memories from my visits while stationed there, the prices were incredible, roughly 40% of retail.

Just got back from a 4 day road trip to Nashville with my "boys", two sons and grandson. We saw the Zags beat UT, just a great trip.

Alas, I do have to go back to work tomorrow.

[Vaquero]

Believe me I was being nice to you. when you made the assumption that someone who dislikes the holidays are all those horriblle names. I gave you a very minor chastising as there are decent honorable folks who may not want to read what I wanted to call you. You on the other hand used the “D” word.

A little growing up might help you. But I doubt it.
Someday you may open that mouth in public to the wrong person.
It quite possibly could be me.

So watch your back.

[JaguarXKE]

I’m Sneezy!

[heterosupremacist]

‘Dork’ is the “D” Word?

I may be mistaken, but I thought it was some other ‘d’-word ~ and, (most definitely) ~ NOT ‘dork’ ...

:^)

[Vaquero]

Means the same as the other D word. (See the movie Johnny Dangerously for definition of the word)

No it’s not awful. Just thought the guy was out of line with calling people who have trouble with Christmas, Marxists Etc. I didn’t call him names except to say he might be barking up the wrong tree.

[uncbob]

It’s not the holidays it is the damn cold and getting dark at 5pm

[wally_bert]

I quit caring about Christmas for the most part years ago.

Mostly I go through the motions, buy the stuff, and look forward to it being over.

My wife is is big on Christmas though.

[combat_boots]

Prayers!

[combat_boots]

🎶 On the ninth day of Trumpmas The Donald gave to me, nine filled-up rallies, eight years of winning, seven spicy sh!posts, six networks lying, FIIIIIIIVE CENTIPEDES, four Pence timelines, three red pills, two Turtle Jeb!s, and a Pepe in a Trump Tweet 🎶

[Abigail Adams]

So sorry to hear of your troubles! May the Lord comfort you with His love and peace.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” —2 Corinthians 1:3-4

[minnesota_bound]

I got a $200 check at work today because I was not absent all year. That makes me happy. I would be happier but the government took $28.45 leaving me $171.55 : )

[Neoliberalnot]

Focus on Christmas and listen closely, for the bells in heaven can be heard in the distance. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that Jesus and your husband are smiling at you.

[Neoliberalnot]

One other suggestion, get yourself a Rat Terrier puppy. I promise you will love that dog like a child and he will love you back no matter what comes your way.

[HereInTheHeartland]

This time of year can be hard for many people.
But imagine if Hillary Clinton was the President elect. A horrifying thought; truly is.
We are very blessed that isn’t the case.

[King Moonracer]

I’m no longer grumpy now that I air my grievances on Festivus. Writing the list now.

[T-Bone Texan]

"...I’m Baptist, so of course church is cancelled on Sunday...."

I rarely LOL, but I LOLed at that, so thanks!

[T-Bone Texan]

patriciamary, do not ever feel alone.

Just know that all of us on FR care for you and want nothing but happiness for you and yours.