I think the health statistics for the US are showing us a very different picture than the one you are painting though, Ron.

If it were as simple as you suggest, I don't think we'd be seeing 40,000+ additional deaths each year from heart attacks at the holidays, or the spike in treatment for depression at the holidays.

Those statistics aren't meaningless. In fact, I'd have to say if you are truly happy and whole every year, and don't admit to there ever being a downside or a negative or a dark side to holiday worship and celebration, I think you may well be in denial.

For those who manage to get to through the holiday after holiday unscathed, I wonder how connected to the real world they are. I personally don't know anyone who ISN'T stressed at the holidays. No one.