It isn't known how many of us could actually benefit from some good old-fashioned holiday cheer. The American Medical Association estimates that 10 percent of the American public suffers from depression in any given year, although some people genuinely feel better during the holiday season. And often, it's for very good reason. There are increased chores to do. Many Americans incur more debt.
Families come together under very close quarters.
And many become acutely aware of personal loss. It isn't just that we fall into the trap of believing our lives will suddenly take a turn for the better this time of year. Many of us also try too hard to keep up with the Joneses, he says. In the age of dot-coms, IPOs and stock options, that's an unrealistic goal. And even with all their material trappings, the Joneses aren't necessarily happy themselves.