People believe in so many things and celebrate many things, and while many may think otherwise, not everyone is happy when the holiday season rolls around.
For some, they may have unsupportive or toxic family members, some people may have had tragedies happen around this period, some people feel lonely during this period, or some people may simply not have enough to celebrate the holidays with.
If someone is feeling lonely or battling mental illness, this time of the year (when everyone is happy and feeling celebratory) can intensify those feelings of despondency.
For people who don’t quite feel jolly during this season, Christmas and the New Year can be a horrible time for them. So much of the celebrations are rooted in family, friends, and financial stability.
If you’re one of those people and you’re reading this, then this is for you.
This season doesn’t have to be happy and joyful and bubbly. You don’t have to go out if you don’t want to. Prioritize yourself and stay indoors if that’s what you want to do.
Additional tips for staying afloat this season are:
- Give something back – The Christmas period can be a period of excess, with everything advertising excess and family and fat white chickens. This year, you can decide to give back instead.
Find a way of giving back to members of your community, whether it’s by helping out a less privileged family or by volunteering to make someone else’s Christmas better.
You’ll have killed two birds with one stone – you’ll have achieved something with the time, and you’ll have made someone else feel so much better.
- Remember that this period will end – Christmas/ New Year isn’t forever. This is something to bear in mind.
Take deep breaths and remind yourself that in a few days/weeks, it’ll all be over and all will be right with the world again.
- Treat yourself – If you’re not feeling the holiday period, then you should definitely treat yourself. Go out for a walk, binge watch movies, pamper yourself, cook your favourite meals, and generally get yourself to feel better.
So that’s it! Christmas/New Year periods aren’t for everyone, and you shouldn’t have to be forced to like it. Did our tips help? What else do you use to deal with the uncomfortable Christmas cheer? Let us know in the comments section below.
