RUMINATION BASICS
This term describes thinking that repeats the same content without moving forward.
What is rumination?
During emotionally charged times like Christmas, the brain often treats thoughts as high priority because of this.
What is emotional attachment?
This phrase often describes rumination after conversations.
What is “I keep replaying it”?
This color was not originally associated with Santa Claus.
What is red?
This question helps decide if a ruminating thought needs immediate action.
What is “Can I act on this right now?”
Rumination is often mistaken for this because the mind feels busy.
What is overthinking?
Rumination increases during holidays because many situations feel this.
What is uncertain or unresolved?
Rumination can follow you from one activity to another, even when this changes.
What is the situation or environment?
This Christmas song is the most-played holiday song of all time.
What is “White Christmas”?
If details are missing, a thought belongs in this lane.
What is “Do I need more information?”
True or False: Rumination usually brings in new information.
What is false?
This family-related situation often triggers rumination during the holidays.
What are family dynamics or expectations?
This type of thinking often restarts the same sentence or idea repeatedly.
What is looping?
In the movie Home Alone, this happens to Kevin’s family.
What is they forget him at home?
Avoiding this often keeps rumination going.
What is making a decision?
Rumination is repetitive thinking that lacks this key element.
What is resolution or direction?
The brain loops more when it doesn’t know whether a situation needs action, a decision, or this.
What is time or acceptance?
Rumination is thinking that stays emotionally active but doesn’t move toward this.
What is a next step or decision?
This reindeer has a red nose.
Who is Rudolph?
When something can’t be changed today, the mind benefits from doing this instead of looping.
What is placing it on the backburner with a container?
Rumination is more about repetition than this.
What is problem-solving?
True or False: Sorting a thought means the situation will feel better immediately.
What is false?
Rumination is more likely to happen during low-demand moments rather than during this.
What is high focus or structured activity?
This fictional character learned that Christmas is “a little bit more” than gifts.
Who is the Grinch?
Sorting the thought helps the brain understand what it’s responsible for and what it is not responsible for.
What is containment or direction?