What is the #1 cause of holiday stress? The answer is money or lack or money really. According to FranklinCovey Products’s fifth annual holiday stress survey of 1,000 U.S. adults.

Did you see that one coming? Despite the current state of the economy 61% believe they spend too much during the holidays.

Who is the most stressed during the holidays? According to a 2006 national survey conducted by Mental Health America people of color are the most stressed out during the holidays. Makes sense if the number one stressor is lack of money and 3 years ago things were considerably better for a lot of people .

That study found parents are more stressed than other groups and females are more stressed than males about finances.

Other top holiday stressors include memories of deceased loved ones, having to much to do, crowded stores and malls, physical demands and loneliness.

In general according to many studies time after time the United States is ranked as one of the most unhappy countries in the world.

Shopping at the mall can be really stressful. When I play this song in my ipod at the mall I feel comfortable pushing people out of my way to get where I’m going. These cats sound like they like shopping way more than I do. They even shouted out Green Acres, a lovely mall in Long Island, New York that I have no business going anywhere near this Christmas.

Thanksgiving tends to set off the holiday season and also the suicide season. This may be due to the feelings the holidays stir up with all the American unhappiness in the backdrop and the fewer hours of sunlight, which can lead to depression.

At times like this I remember the 1958 movie Cat On A Hot Tin Roof:

Margaret “Maggie” Pollitt: You know what I feel like? I feel all the time like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Brick Pollitt: Then jump off the roof, Maggie. Jump off it. Cats jump off roofs and land uninjured. Do it. Jump.

She then replies:
Margaret “Maggie” Pollitt: Jump where? Into what?

A valid question. When I find myself wound up with Christmas cheer I just stop. I ask myself how could such a “happy” time make people so miserable? That can’t be right and supporting the consumerism/debt treadmill is never going to get us anywhere worth being.

If you’re broke give a hug.

If your hug is turned down for a videogame or the Snowman in Africa purse by your loved one instead…kick em.

That’ll learn ‘em to ask you for stuff when you’re short on funds!

When you’re done with that feel free to reach out to someone in your life who may be lonely, depressed or missing a deceased loved one. They might be more likely to accept that hug!

For more information, including tips for managing holiday and overall stress, go to mentalhealthamerica.net.

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