Why I am always Without-a-Doubt Depressed during the Holidays

Each list item applies every year -- they aren't specific to just this year.

• Too much time to think
  
• School just ended for a time; I feel less productive day to day
• Increased feeling of isolation and loneliness
  
• Stress from being around my family, shopping, commercialism, over-stimulation, etc.
• Mounting pressure for the new year; personal expectations forming and growing
  
• Realization that I'm no closer to feeling loved than I was January 1st
• I'll even go so far as to say: it is always a bad energy time of year for me. If you believe, or have noticed, that each year has a rhythm, astrological or otherwise, then you might be able to acknowledge that certain times of year just spell disaster emotionally and psychologically at certain times. This is one of those times. I have yet to experience December 5th to about mid-January any other way than this, even growing up. Although, this year may be the first time I am openly communicative about it than I ever have had bravery enough to do.
  

So, all I can do is try and reach a few goals, speak openly and honestly as I can with my loved ones, and try and find some focus within the mental mayhem.