For what it is worth, the therapist recommended I go away next holiday season – just to get away from the hype, unfulfilled expectations, and family drama. While the cruise to Hawaii might be out of the question, I can take Amtrak and go visit friends – friends who really give a damn – for the holidays instead of stressing over Christmas trees and family. I think it is an extension of the same thing. Being ruled by obligations, guilt, and fulfilling the expectations of others, on top of the assumption that everyone has the same wants/needs/desires as yourself. I’m thinking Amtrak.