Christmas holiday may be the perfect tonic for winter blues

Christmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry but for some it’s also a time of incredible lows.

Well, one leading psychologist says the ideal way to rid yourself of those festive blues is by going away on a winter holiday.

Cliff Anall, who devised the Blue Monday formula to determine when is the most unhappy time of the year, said Christmas is losing its joyful qualities for many because it's become too commercialised.

He added: "Christmas is becoming soulless. A winter holiday is good for the soul. It is something refreshing, different and a real opportunity to let go of the performance element of Christmas and get some serious relaxation and pampering."

Mr Anall went on to suggest that people feeling down should ideally seek out a resort that is still warm at this time of year but having fun should top of the their holiday requirements.

Portugal may fit the bill as Lisbon's tourist information board said recently they temperatures can still reach as high as 25 degrees.

Posted by Nicole Maher