Some folks think it’s Black Friday, that day where masses of people stand in long lines and crush each other with complete disregard to insult or injury. (Where’s the pepper spray when you really need it?)

Over at my place, however, another – far more peaceful kind of crushing occurs. It’s called “Tryptophania,” defined here according to the Dictionary de Molly:

Tryptophania (n) Biochemistry. A syndrome related to the overdose of C 8 H 6 NCH 2 CH(NH 2)COOH (see illustration above). Usually occurs around holidays involving large amounts of turkey, milk or other Tryptophan-rich products, such as Thanksgiving in the United States.

The syndrome is typically prolonged due to enduring consumption of turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, turkey chili, turkey enchiladas, BBQ turkey and just about anything you have in the house made with turkey.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I prefer Tryptophania to Black Days any day. And if I really want to do anything today other than lie about like a beached whale on the couch, I’ll waddle over to my neighbor’s where we’ll share turkey sandwiches and a glass of milk.