Unwrapping the Realities of Christmas: Coping with Festive Difficulties
It is that time of year again…the lead up to Christmas. Some people love this festive time of year, others enjoy it but find it stressful and yet others simply dread it or don’t celebrate it.
You may find Christmas difficult for a variety of reasons, and experiences can vary greatly from person to person.
Reasons why you might find Christmas challenging:
Loss or Grief: The festive season can be particularly tough for those who have lost a loved one or experienced a loss, as it emphasises the absence of that person.
Financial Strain: The pressure to buy gifts and participate in various festive activities can cause stress, especially for individuals or families on a tight budget.
Family Conflict: Christmas often involves family gatherings, which can lead to tension or conflict, especially where there are strained family relationships or unresolved conflicts.
Loneliness or Isolation: For those of us who don't have close friends or family nearby, the emphasis on togetherness during Christmas can intensify feelings of loneliness. Some of us may not have any family nor friends we class as close and this can further intensify those feelings.
High Expectations: There's often an idealised version of Christmas portrayed in media and society, leading to unrealistic expectations that can result in us feeling disappointed or inadequate.
Cultural or Religious Differences: Not everyone celebrates Christmas, so if your culture or religion does not celebrate Christmas you might feel excluded or uncomfortable during this time.
Overwhelm and Stress: The busyness of the season—decorating, shopping, parties, and obligations—can become overwhelming, leading to stress and exhaustion.
Memories of Trauma: For those of us who have experienced trauma during the festive season or associate Christmas with negative memories, the season can trigger distressing emotions.
Pressure to Socialise: If you prefer your own company or if you struggle with social anxiety you might find the constant socialising and parties during the festivities draining and anxiety-inducing.
Environmental Factors: In some regions, harsh weather conditions or lack of sunlight can contribute to a general sense of discomfort or unease during this time.
Pressure to Conform: Societal and cultural expectations to conform to certain traditions or norms during Christmas can be stressful for those of us who prefer different ways of celebrating or choose not to celebrate at all.
Work Demands: And some of us work during Christmas itself and/ or our work demands increase during this time. Increased work demands during the festive season can lead to exhaustion and a lack of time to enjoy any festivities.
It's important to recognise and respect that the way that each of us experience Christmas is unique, and for some of us, the festive season may bring more challenges than joy.
So what can help us navigate this time of year?
Dealing with the difficulties of Christmas can be challenging, but there are various strategies that we can employ to navigate this time of the year more effectively. Here are some suggestions:
Acknowledge and Accept Feelings: Recognise and accept that it's okay to feel a range of emotions during the festive season, including sadness, stress, or anxiety. Validating your feelings is an important first step.
Set Realistic Expectations: Adjust expectations and recognise that perfection is not necessary. Setting realistic expectations for yourself can help alleviate unnecessary stress.
Create New Traditions: Establish new festive traditions that align with your preferences and values. This can help create positive experiences and break away from potentially negative associations with past traditions.
Reach Out for Support: Connect with friends, family, or support networks. Sharing your feelings and seeking emotional support can be beneficial. Don't hesitate to let others know if you need help or understanding.
Establish Boundaries: Set boundaries to protect your well-being. It's okay to decline invitations or skip certain events if they contribute to stress. Prioritise self-care and personal needs.
Focus on What You Can Control: Concentrate on aspects of the festive season that you can control. This might include choosing which events to attend, managing your schedule, or deciding how to spend your time.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Ensure you get enough rest, engage in activities you enjoy, and prioritise self-care practices that help you relax and recharge.
Volunteer or Give Back: Consider giving back to others through volunteering. Helping those in need can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, shifting the focus away from personal difficulties.
Create Meaningful Moments: Identify and engage in activities that bring personal meaning and joy. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, engaging in creative pursuits, or enjoying simple pleasures, find what resonates with you.
Reach Out for Support: Connect with friends, family, or support networks. Sharing your feelings and seeking emotional support can be beneficial. Don't hesitate to let others know if you need help or understanding.
Seek Professional Support: Consider seeking the help of a mental health professional to help support you in planning for, and navigating, the festive season. Therapists and counsellors can provide support and coping strategies tailored to your specific needs.
Remember that all of our individual experiences of Christmas are unique and it's okay to prioritise your well-being.
Choosing strategies that resonate with you and align with your values can make the festive season more manageable.