OK, I admit it. I hate the holiday season! I'm sorry to take any pleasure from all of you who are happily bustling around decorating your Christmas trees or buying new candles to light the Menorah or to celebrate Kwanzaa. I don't want to detract from all of you that are delighting in the fact that all the family will be together again getting along in perfect harmony, and I certainly don't want to create stress for anyone who is hoping that this year they'll get wonderfully perfect gifts and who won't mind in the least, spending their time and money trying to buy wonderfully perfect gifts for others. In fact, I am thrilled for all of you who love this season. But for those of you who only want to shout Bah, Humbug, to the month of December, I want you to know that I hear you.

In fact, I propose that instead of the National Tree Lighting Ceremony staged in Washington every year, there be a National Bah Humbug day as well. I'm all for equal rights, aren't you? It would be open to anyone, of any race, creed, culture or religion. There'd be lots to eat and drink (we have to feed that lonely soul don't we?) and there would be designated spaces for those who wanted to be alone, those who wanted to be with others, and those who couldn't decide. The big difference between this and the tree lighting ceremony or any other holiday celebration for that matter, would be that you wouldn't have to pretend to be happy when you weren't. If you were thinking about how your life hadn't turned out the way (at least so far) as you hoped it would, you'd be in great company. If you were missing the loved ones who aren't in your life anymore, you'd have a natural support group or even if you were just one of those people who doesn't see what all the fuss is about, you'd be in the right place. Come to think of it, there'd be a lot more attendance at the Bah Humbug day than at the Christmas lighting ceremony. And how many people do you think ever watch that tree lighting ceremony on T.V anyway? Not many, I'd guess. Certainly if you've seen it once, you'll never want to see it again. I can guarantee you however that the Neilson ratings for the Bah Humbug day would soar through the roof, year after year. It would make all the people who think they're supposed to be happy at this time, but aren't, very happy! Mission accomplished!

by Michele Diamond, LICSW (all rights reserved)