That dam is in constant danger of cracking from seemingly innocuous seasonal traditions. When Charlie Brown learns the true meaning of Christmas; when the Grinch’s heart grows three times; when Clarence gets his wings; when the post office delivers Santa’s mail; and when Scrooge rejoices upon waking up Christmas morning a changed man – all of these events are rife with the spirit of the season. They beat upon the walls of the dam with their positive charges until the floodgates are opened. The person becomes engulfed in salty tears while the internal battle between the darkness of despair and the light of the Christmas season rages on.

To quote a certain powerful Being, I say, “Let there be light.” This is what the Christmas season is all about. It is a promise and a hope for the future. My advice to all those who find themselves in dire straights this holiday season is to let go of the negative emotions that you are bottling up, and search for the positives that can come with change.

Embrace the feeling of freedom that comes from not being tied down to a job that you probably hated anyway. Think of how much you’ll save on gas. Make use of the down time between job searches to spend time with the people you love. Bake real cookies (not slice and bake) with the kids. Or do volunteer work to keep the positive juices flowing. As for presents this year, if you cannot share your wealth this holiday season, share yourself.

Invite the spirit of possibility for all the different things you can do, knowing that when one door is closed, another opens. It really is no secret – have faith that the universe will provide what you need to get by in this world. Use the skills you acquired in your last job to land a better job. And if it makes you feel better, think of it as sticking it to your old boss. Success is the best revenge.

Whatever you do, don’t waste time and psychic energy on anger or resentment for the past. Don’t worry; Scrooge will get his, whether it comes in the form of three ghosts or spiritual enlightenment or an anvil falling from the sky. Instead, in the spirit of the season, take a page out of Bob Cratchit’s book and raise a glass to the Ebenezer in your life. And repeat after me, “God bless us, everyone!”