For many, the holiday season is not a time of joy. I grew up in a family where holiday activities and celebrations were not overdone. My warmest, most positive memories were of family dinners and getting outside for some fun such as a snow ball fight, ice-skating or ice fishing on a frozen lake. Once I started my own family, we continued less rigid traditions, minimal presents and limited commitments. Schedule fun, stress-free activities that you enjoy during the holidays.

According to WebMD ten triggers for holiday blues include:

• Family gatherings
• Over-commercialization
• Over-committing
• Financial worries
• Unrealistic expectations
• Fatigue
• Stress
• Breaking healthy habits
• Being away from family and friends
• Shorter days and the lack of sunlight

This year we have had a whole lot of snow in Eastern Washington so it was fun to come over the mountains to enjoy the winter wonderland. I loved getting multiple opportunities to go snowshoeing!