A Look at Some Holiday Maladies

It's common knowledge that the holidays are not always a time of cheer and good will for all people. Many simply can not enjoy the season. For them it goes beyond the traditional "holiday blues." There are many true seasonal sicknesses to contend with this time of year. To examine the topic of holiday distress, I contacted Dr. Lamont Erickson, of the Noel Institute of Wellness. There was much to learn on the topic. 

Dr. Erickson noted that it is, indeed, a difficult time for some, with the holiday's maladies taking both physical and mental form. "For instance, the Institute is now seeing a marked increase in cases of Claus-aphobia." 

I had to admit I wasn't familiar with Claus-aphobia. The doctor explained, "Like any other phobia, it's an unreasonable, irrational fear of something, like heights, closed places and, in this case, Santa Claus." I concluded that many children must then be Claus-aphobic, but Dr. Erickson stated that was a common misconception. "No. Kids are just scared. Big hairy guy breathing on them like that? What's not to be afraid of? We are more involved with adults and what happens when they come upon a right jolly old elf. They get nervous and sweaty. They develop heart palpitations. Real anxiety. And that laughter, what's up with that? Did you see the belt buckle? Do you know what kind of damage a belt buckle that big could do? And he's really fat, what if he falls on me? They get nervous just looking at those soda-pop ads, or greeting cards. Most can't even bring themselves near a department store or mall this time of year. You walk down the street and there they are, corner after corner, a slew of Santas, ringing their bells, looking so jolly! Aaaah!"

It was then I discovered that Dr. Erickson was an acute Claus-aphobic. His experiences with this condition compelled him to seek out and attempt to treat the diseases of the season.