We experience more stress during the holiday season. We find ourselves busier than ever. There are gifts to buy for people who may not need anything. We struggle with the traffic and the parking, as well as the crowds at the stores. There are demands on our time, attention, energy and finances. All these issues can be stressful.

We may experience holiday blues because of our expectations. We want everyone to get along, but some families have strained and broken relationships. Holidays can make us more aware of them and, of course, this can cause sadness.

Just because it is the holidays doesn't mean Scrooge is going to have a miraculous change in the way he relates to us. Another unrealistic expectation is that everything has to be perfect.

What can we do? Briefly, there are a few things we can do to find the holidays more relaxing.

Feel what we feel. We don't have to be happier than we ordinarily are. It would be helpful if we expressed our feelings by talking with a friend or keeping a journal. When feelings are denied or stuffed, they become stronger, but when we take them out into the light of day, they lose their power.

Simplify - talk with the family about downsizing and spending. Talking to our family about downsizing the holidays can feel that we have lost a loved one. We need to talk about ways we plan to take care ourselves by a making a new normal for the holidays.

Next month I will be presenting how to create that new normal.

Dr. William E. Austin is a licensed psychotherapist and holds a Doctor of Divinity degree. He is a therapist with Tidewater Pastoral Counseling Services . He is well known for his warmth and sense of humor. His book, Creating Our Safe Place - Articles on Healthy Relationships, can be purchased through www.amazon.com.

Tidewater Pastoral Counseling: 623-2700