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 |