Can you believe it? Here come those crazy holidays again. It seems that no sooner than we get over one holiday season, it is time to gear up for another one.

Moms are gearing up by putting toys on layaway, clipping coupons and recipes out of their favorite magazine, shopping for that holiday dress and practicing for the Christmas pageant at their church. They're already thinking about the money they will need to cover the expenses and the credit card bills that will follow.

Single ladies are gearing up by hoping they'll have a special someone to spend the holidays with. You know the drill, no matter what your status is, you are probably gearing up; if not physically, at least mentally.

Last year, after the big event was over, I had a week off from work to recuperate. This gave me a chance to sit back and ponder the countless conversations I had had with people, who were tired, stressed, depressed and angry throughout the holidays. Very few were happy and uplifted.

Most were looking forward to the end of the whole affair. Instead of hearing stories of happy times spent with family members, I heard stories of sickness, death and suicide.

Yet, every time someone asked me how my Christmas was, I responded the same: It was the best Christmas I've ever had. I enjoyed my holidays so much that I felt guilty telling all those sad, depressed people about it. What was the difference between them and me? I changed my gear!