By Cliff Kuhn, M.D.
The Laugh Doctor
“It all starts with a SMILE”   http://www.drcliffordkuhn.com/meet.htm

The holiday season presents us with a strange and unsettling
paradox. While we’re constantly bombarded with images of loving
families enjoying the holidays, more people commit suicide
during this season than at any other time. How do we reconcile
this (and how do we avoid it ourselves)?

I believe some of the depression is caused by the constant
reruns of bad Christmas specials. Do we really need to see
“Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” for the twelfth evening in a row?

Actually I believe those Christmas specials do play a role in
the depression. As do the commercials. And the retail
displays. You see, this is a time when we are overloaded with
images of how we’re “supposed” to feel – iconic images of loving
families gathering to share their common joy.

But, just as Victoria’s Secret models don’t really exist, but
are a creation of Madison Avenue, so too are those holiday
families. Advertisers know we buy more when we are unhappy
(that is a sad fact in the advertising business). It’s called
bait and switch. Advertisers have long employed a simple
formula – make you unhappy, then offer you the solution.

I’m not demonizing advertisers here! Nor blaming anyone for how
I (or anyone else) feels. I’m simply giving you permission to
free yourself from any unrealistic expectations you might be
tempted to place on yourself during these holidays. Everyone’s
family is ripe for uncomfortable moments! Heck, some of us
don’t have any “family” at all!

Take charge of your state of mind during these holidays! When
you see an unrealistic holiday image, smile and tell yourself,
“Good for them; although that’s not how my life looks, I love MY
LIFE thank you!” Use your humor nature and the ensuing
childlike spirit to find your fun wherever you are and on your
terms!

It’ll be the most important gift you receive this holiday!

Lon considered this article to be a gift in and of itself; and he wanted to share it here on his blog!  Thanks to Cifford Kuhn, The Laugh Doctor!

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Lon Kieffer is proud to announce the re-launch and re-vitalization of an old program; ‘Defending the Caregiver!” in a new format.  A one-man play, a Dramedy (comedic drama), celebrating, “The Caregiver!”  To learn more visit:  www.DefendingTheCaregiver.com

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Lon Kieffer, author of “Get Out of Bed and Go to Work!”, Speaker, Consultant, Expert on Workplace Culture Change and Generational Conflicts, gives seminars, keynote and plenary addresses, runs annual sales meetings, and provides Common Sense Consulting at:  www.LonKieffer.com. He can be reached at:  (302) 462-6748 on Facebook or via email at:  Lon@LonKieffer.com