Christmas is really bothering me this year. Not in the "traditional" sense that I'm bothered as in feeling blue or depressed, the signs and symptoms many of us in the medical profession are taught to watch for this time of year. Bothered as in being an objective observer and wondering why.

There is nothing new happening this season than any other season. I'm just seeing it different and nothing is making sense. The frenzied gift buying beyond financial comfort zones. People juggling schedules for parties, school programs, travel and of course shopping. Most bitching about it.

The pressure of feeling they are inadequate or life is selling them short if they can't be with their families during Christmas. I guess the rest of year doesn't count.

How in the world did we allow this mass brainwashing to take place? How many actually remember or even celebrate what Christmas is supposed to represent? How many lawsuits would be filed if they tried?

I'm feeling very uncomfortable that I have taught my children to buy into this lie. To buy, give and partake beyond reason to try and induce that warm fuzzy Christmas feeling. I think it's some form of mass hysteria, I really do.

I can't help but wonder how did all of this mess happen? That's exactly what it is, a frenzied mess. Anybody know?