When the heightened expectations of Christmas collide with reality, many find it difficult to enjoy the holiday. St. Louis University School of Medicine Psychiatry chairman, Dr. Joan Lang, says few things are hyped as much as Christmas, from the presents expected to family gathering expectations. And, she says they sometimes remind us of what we don’t have. Lang says some practical steps can help chase away the Christmas blues. First, scale back expectations – both about presents and family gatherings. Second, concentrate on the real meaning of Christmas. And third, allow for mistakes by others and by yourself.
