It is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for an overwhelming number of people the holiday season is one that leaves them stressed out and worn down.

So why does the season of giving and family leave so many of us feeling like a scrooge on the verge of a nervous breakdown?

Local health and fitness officials say there are a number of sources that contribute to the holiday blues, but there are also steps that can be taken to help people fight seasonal depression.

"People idealize Christmas and other holidays," Auburn massage therapist and yoga instructor Maria DeMitchell-Wechsler said. "Most people don't experience the Norman Rockwell holidays seen in paintings. But hey, try standing on that line at Toy's R Us and tell me how cheerful you feel afterwards."

This time of the year many people find themselves getting anxious about family conflicts, overwhelming busyness, crowds, long lines and how much money to spend. This mixed in with feelings of loneliness and grief leave many people dreading the months of November through January.

According to a survey done by Dateline NBC and Prevention Magazine, 40 percent of the people polled said the holidays are just as stressful as asking your boss for a raise.

"People are always under stress, the holiday season just brings a lot of that stress out," Claire Bobrycki said. "It is a transition for a lot of people. We tend to focus on the past and money problems rather than find solutions to deal with our anxieties."

Bobrycki is a mental health therapist for Cayuga Counseling Services, which sees an increase in people dealing with stress, anxiety and depression around this time of year. Bobrycki explained that the holiday season is often a transition period for a lot of people and that it is important to stay focused on the present.

"A good way to deal with holiday anxieties is to not focus on past holidays, but to begin new traditions," Bobrycki said. "Pick and choose what you can and can not do, try something new, connect with family and friends, these are all ways to keep the holiday spirit alive."

Wechsler, who runs her massage business out of Auburn, finds that during the holiday season she has fewer visitors then she does the rest of the year.

With all of the other stresses that come along with the holiday season

people forget to take care of themselves.

"I feel like we often treat our cars better then we treat ourselves,"

Wechsler said. "These classes and sessions are very useful and by continuing

them, even though there are so many other things going on, will help you

deal with other pressures."

Laurie Volinsky, owner of Body, Mind and Spirit in Fair Haven, agrees that

people should continue taking care of themselves during the holiday season

to help prevent burning out.

"A lot of people have been buying gift certificates for each other,"

Volinsky said. "It is a wonderful gift to help people deal with post-holiday

stress."

Wechsler also suggests burning candles, which contain pine, spruce or

lavender. These scents are calming and soothing and will help reduce stress.

She also feels that you don't always need a professional to help you relax.

"Take a bath, or get your partner to give you a hand or foot message"

Wechsler said. "Even these small, respectful touches will help you re
and

unwind."