Positive Psychology Column
for 12-28-03

By Tom Muha, Ph.D.

Holiday Happiness Letdown

Twas the day after Christmas

and all through the house

all the little creatures were stirring

and you could hear them grouse.

“Mommy and Daddy,” they cried,

 “I’m unhappy inside.”

 

“I don’t want to share any presents I got.

Why did you think I’d be grateful a lot?

I got what I want, now leave me alone.

My friends are calling on my new cell phone.”

 

Do you find that you experience a letdown after the frenzy of your family opening all of their Christmas presents? Is the moment of joy fleeting compared to the squabbles that follow?

You’d think that your family would be happier with the sudden acquisition of all their new material possessions. But the kids are still fighting among themselves, and they don’t seem to be one bit more cooperative.

Perhaps there is one more present that you could give your family that would bring a higher level of happiness to all of you. You can teach them