We are entering the holiday season. It’s a time of food, family and fun. Unfortunately, for some of us, it can also be a time of increased anxiety and depression. We may be told by the media to eat, be merry and buy, buy, buy. But what if that doesn’t work for us? What if the stuff we buy, the food we eat and the company we keep doesn’t make us happy? What do we do then?

I asked some of my colleagues at Madison College Libraries and we have some suggestions for you to find a happy place through cinema, literature and music. The following is what some of us recommend for the darker days of winter.

For my part, I offer the movie Forrest Gump and dare anyone to feel cynical at the end of the film. If you do, drop by the Truax library or drop me a line on email.

Mark L., West Campus – Mark suggested Ernest Hemingway’s short story, “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place.” He acknowledged that many folks find the story very dark, but said that he finds it comforting, particularly because of Hemingway’s direct, non-flowery prose.

Dana, Truax Campus – Dana recommended “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau. “Thoreau has a way of putting things into perspective that snaps you out of the ‘bigger, better, more’ frame of thinking,” she said.

Kelley, Truax Campus – Kelley suggested “Blue Highways” by William Least Heat-Moon. She said she won’t give the story away, but she wanted to point out it is a journey you have to take for yourself.

Lisa, Truax Campus – Lisa suggested listening to Christmas music by Bing Crosby and Perry Como. She listens to holiday tunes to reconnect with her happy, carefree youth.

Matt C., Truax Campus – Matt recommended the travel writings of Bill Bryson and the film “My Favorite Year.”

I would love to hear your suggestion of a book, movie, song, poem, short story or piece of art that makes you happy. Send me an email at [email protected].