I find myself watching so many people struggling as the holiday season kicks into high gear. Some are facing serious financial difficulties. Or seeing relatives cause more stress than joy. Those happy holiday families depicted in movies bring more pressure to pretend that all's well when it isn't.
There's no easy answers. But the best ones come when you tell yourself the truth. Admit to loved ones that all those gifts are draining you dry. Your confession might be the one needed to bring about different traditions like gift grabs or give homemade gifts.
The same holds true for family. What's the point of going to these get-togethers when all it does is leave you stressed out and frazzled? Or enduring endless questions of why you're single. The time to devise a sane, coping strategy is now. Maybe it's time to cut back on the number of hours spent together. If you're single, begin your own traditions with a mix of old and new.
The same holds true with those grieving. Allow yourself to do as much as you're mentally able to handle. It's okay to cry while remembering that missing loved one. For example, if decoring the house is too overwhelming, find another way to celebrate like listening to favorite music. Try not to isolate yourself. Doing so could lead to deeper depression.
Celebrate where you are right now. There's so many experiences waiting to be enjoyed once you let go of holiday perfection. Treat yourself tenderly and lovingly every day during the holiday season. The lightness might be contageous.
No comments:
Post a Comment