Autumn blues

Tradition has it that when the leaves fall, people suffer more from depression. This is partly due to the limited amount of sunlight and the shorter days. I know that psychiatrists use light boxes as therapy for patients suffering from depression. So if you notice that people around you are grumpier than usual, it's probably just the time of year.

Don't hold it against them too much
The nervousness for the festive season is starting to build. This adds extra stress on top of the November depression. Intratuin has been extremely busy for weeks. The Maastricht branch is populated daily by hordes of Walloons. Management has therefore provided French-language signage and product information. Belgian number plates are queuing up at the entrance to the car park. The nearby Hanos has made its car park available to Intratuin visitors. All the more reason for me to stay away.

On our way to Sinterklaas, we realise once again that the Christmas tree will have to be put up immediately afterwards. I am principled in this regard: we only celebrate Christmas once Sinterklaas has returned to Spain. Nowadays, we see the first Christmas decorations around us as early as October. What possesses these people? Perhaps it is that need for light. That is why Christmas trees have lights and many Christmas decorations are illuminated. In earlier times, people may well have developed fears when the dark days arrived. They knew little about the physical phenomenon behind this.

It is a period of hard work
Everyone realises that the end of the year is approaching and that this period offers the last chance to adjust their annual performance. In the gloomy, dark periods of the day, the roads are full of nervous workers who want to get to work to achieve their goals. Rows of headlights form the typical November backdrop on the road. Even those who work from home join in, because bonuses and Christmas hampers are on the horizon.

Personally, I'm thriving these days. Nothing to do in the garden, plenty of time to read, watch ice skating competitions, enjoy butter sticks and winter fare, and wear jumpers. This weekend, we're going to check out the new ice rink in Geleen. On Sunday, there's a wine tasting in aid of the Maastricht carnival association, De Keemeleers.

Don't let the autumn blues get you down!