Westchester families deal with stress of holidays

The holidays are traditionally a time to bring together families and friends, but Westchester residents say factors such as the widespread economic crunch have made this season particularly stressful.

News 12 Staff

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Dec 23, 2008, 12:16 AM

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Updated 5,695 days ago

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The holidays are traditionally a time to bring together families and friends, but Westchester residents say factors such as the widespread economic crunch have made this season particularly stressful.

"The combination of snow - we actually had a death in the family - and the holidays and school canceled for a day ? yeah, it's stressful," says Ken Finkelman, of Katonah.

Dr. Samuel Klagsbrun, the executive director of Four Winds Hospital, says he hears stories like Finkelman's every day.

"For those families who have actually suffered hits financially, this holiday is devastating," Klagsbrun says.

Klagsbrun suggests families do an honest assessment of their finances, and come clean with family members about their financial limits. Most of all, he says don't give up.

"Whatever life dishes out, you have to find a way to survive," Klagsbrun says. "Overcome the obstacles, push through. However you do it, you have to make it and survive."

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