“Surviving the Holidays”

Expert Commentary From University of Alabama Faculty

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO CELEBRATE — Jan Brakefield, consumer scientist, 205/348-8132, jbrakefi@ches.ua.edu. For many Americans, money could be tight for the holidays this year because of cash diverted to higher gas and heating prices. Plus, people may be less in the mood, too, following Katrina and Rita. Brakefield suggests seeing this new “situation” as an opportunity to start new traditions such as volunteering at a soup kitchen, drawing names, and coupons for “services” around the house.

CHRISTMAS SONGS – Dr. James Salem, professor of American studies, 205/348-5940, jsalem@tenhoor.as.ua.edu. From “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to “White Christmas,” some Christmas songs are truly American. Salem can discuss these inherently American tunes, their history and the singers who made them famous.

CREDIT CARD FRAUD – Jan Brakefield, consumer scientist, 205/348-8132, jbrakefi@ches.ua.edu says keep track of all your credit cards and debit cards and make sure they are in a safe place. She suggests making copies of the front and back of all your credit/debit cards and keeping those in a secure file at home in case any are lost or stolen.

DEPRESSION – Dr. Forrest Scogin, director of graduate studies and professor of psychology, 348-1924 (o), 349-5627 (h), fscogin@gp.as.ua.edu, can talk about the holiday blues, reasons why the blues sometimes occur, and the differences between the blues and depression. One of Scogin’s areas of expertise is depression therapy.

EATING – Debra Morrison, assistant professor of nutrition, 205/348-8130, dmorriso@ches.ua.edu. For dieters and the diet conscious, it’s that dreaded time of year when temptation takes over and willpower flies out the door faster than Santa’s sleigh.
How can you make it through the holidays without a big weight gain? How can you make your holiday meals tasty yet nutritious? Morrison can answer these questions and others about holiday eating.

EXERCISE — George M. Brown, director of University Recreation, 205/348-3994, gbrown@sa.ua.edu. Exercise during the holidays reduces stress, burns calories, promotes good full sleep and is a great way to work up a healthy appetite for all the holiday feasts. Walking in and around the neighborhood for 45-60 minutes 3 to 4 times per week is way to get exercise and view the lights and decorations of homes. Pick well-lit areas and never walk with headphones that obstruct your ability to hear traffic or things about you. If venturing out after dark, wear bright or reflective clothing and walk facing traffic if you are unable to stay on sidewalks.

FAMILY HOLIDAY TRADITIONS – Dr. Nick Stinnett, professor of family studies, 205/348-7864, 205/339-2386, nstinne1@ches.ua.edu. Whether family holiday traditions are conventional or unique, Stinnett says they all have the same result — giving you a stronger closer relationship. He also says these traditions are important for children because it helps them develop a sense of family identity.

GETTING ALONG WITH FAMILY – Dr. Nick Stinnett, professor of family studies, 205/348-7864, 339-2386, nstinne1@ches.ua.edu. Expectations of a picture-perfect family gathering could be a setup for disappointment or disaster, especially during the holiday season, says Stinnett. A family doesn’t have to prove itself by always having a good time together, says Stinnett, author of “Fantastic Families,” and the previous best seller “Secrets of Strong Families.” “Everybody — even your worst enemy — is willing to have a good time with you. For that you don’t need a family. We really need our family most when things are rough and tough. Then we need a family because no stranger will come to our rescue.”

KIDS’ PRESENTS – Carmen Hudson, assistant professor of child development, 205/348-8149, 348-6158, chudson@ches.ua.edu. How much is too much? What does too many presents do to the psyche of a child? What about children whose parents do not have the means to indulge them? Hudson can offer expert commentary on this subject.

SHOPPING – Jan Brakefield, consumer scientist, 205/348-8132, jbrakefi@ches.ua.edu. When it comes to avoiding holiday shopping burnout, looks like Santa’s got the right idea with that list of his. Brakefield says making a list and sticking to it ensures both a stress-free shopping experience and happy gift recipients. Making a list is just one of Brakefield’s annual “Top Ten List of Ways to Avoid Shopping Burnout.” Other tips include invoking a cash-only policy and not shopping when you’re tired.

TRAVEL – Dr. David Brown, director of the computing and information division of the University Transportation Center in UA’s College of Engineering, 205/348-1660, shares these recommendations to make holiday travel safer: travel during daylight, especially in bad weather; do not drink and drive, and do not use the roads during times when you know others might be driving drunk; always wear your restraints; drive with the flow of traffic, and do not exceed the speed limit; and get your Christmas shopping done early to the avoid the Dec. 24 rush.

WAITING FOR SANTA – Carmen Hudson, assistant professor of child development, 205/348-8149, 348-6158, chudson@ches.ua.edu. For children, the wait for Christmas and Santa is hard to bear. And now that retailers seem to make the holiday shopping season longer every year, it’s getting more difficult for both children and parents. Hudson can talk about children and patience as well as offer some tips for handling the wait for Santa.

For more information on these topics or to obtain a source on other holiday stories, contact Suzanne Dowling in the UA Media Relations Office at 205/348-83234 or sdowling@ur.ua.edu.