Like taxes, Daylight Savings Time, and report cards, the holidays is a time of year that happens annually, whether we like it or not.

For some, this is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. The air crackles with excitement and the decorations, music, and presents all add to the anticipation. For others – not so much. The lack of long hours of daylight, loved ones, financial problems, or a host of other woes make this time of year dreaded.

Seasonal issues with the weather and light certainly play a part for many. However, one does not have to have Seasonal Affective disorder or be going through a major crisis to view the holidays with a hint of cynicism.

First of all, despite our society’s best efforts at being politically correct, when we think of the holidays, we invariably think of Christmas. The decorations, music, and parties all scream Santa, regardless of whether or not we are forced to say “Happy Holidays” in our workplace rather than “Merry Christmas.”

Pretending this time of year reflects much else in terms of official holidays is denial. Christmas is a statutory holiday here. It is one of the few days of the year where pretty much everything shuts down. New Years – according to the Gregorian calendar – is the other one.

People who don’t celebrate Christmas invariably feel left out. And those who do may feel an overwhelming sense of having to make sure everything is perfect for that one day of the year when we are supposed to put on a happy face and spread joy to the world.

My advice? Relax. It’s just one day. Yes, it can be a day filled with screaming children, unexpected relatives, and burned cookies, but what day is ever perfect?

Happy holidays to all of our readers!