How to Deal with Holiday Cheer When You’re Not Feeling It
“I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.”
—Buddy the Elf
If you ever watch holiday movies or television shows, you know that December is portrayed as a time full of wonder and a season to be full of cheer and jolly. Most make it seem like no matter what fight or tension that arises during the story, everyone always comes back together at the end, singing some holiday song.
Life is a lot different than the movies for most of us. We don’t all have perfectly decorated homes with Christmas lights. We might not have a lot of gifts under the tree. Our kitchens are not all stocked full of cookies and appetizer platters of cheese and fruit. Real life doesn’t look like the movies and that’s okay!
Don’t Fall into the Comparison Trap
One of the best ways to avoid getting down on yourself around the holidays is to not compare yourself to others, especially those on TV. Comparison is a trap because there is always someone who has more, does more, etc., we’ll never have enough.
It’s tempting to compare our lives to others, especially when it’s shared through social media. Be aware that those pictures you see are someone else’s highlight reel. These images don’t show everything. They don’t show what happens “behind-the-scenes” and definitely not the IG un-worthy moments.
Learning to be satisfied with what we have is a great start to becoming happier.
The Commercialism Effect
Be aware of the influence of commercialism. The fact is, the holidays are FULL of advertisements that try to convince you to buy a product or service. Advertisers must sell more stuff around the holidays so their job is to convince you that you NEED to have their products. They sell the idea that Christmas morning isn’t perfect without a huge tree, matching pajamas, and tons of presents to open.
Of course, it’s not wrong to have nice holiday moments with friends and family. But these images can have an impact on us consumers. It can cause us to stress over perfect presents or difficult family members. There’s also pressure to give and spend money that we don’t have.
These pressures can leave us feeling tired, tense, and frustrated. Remember, if you feel this way, it’s okay. Take some time to stop and refresh yourself —mind and body. You’ll be able to do more for others when you are rested and feeling calm.
Dealing with Loneliness and Depression
Many of us deal with loneliness and isolation during the holidays, especially when it seems like others are experiencing the “perfect” Christmas. The holidays can also be challenging because of good and bad memories of the past. The thought of lost loved ones can make us feel isolated and alone.
While navigating deeply felt emotions can be hard, there are some things you can do to lift your spirit and get through this season:
Focus on the good. What things are good or beautiful around you? Think of kids, nature, funny animals, being alive today…
Give to someone in need. Consider a way you can give to someone else. It doesn’t need to be money, you can also give your time.
Do things that you enjoy. Listen to music. Read a book. Go for a walk in the park. Whatever it is, try to live in the moment and experience what’s around you.
Talk with someone. Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while or make a new one. You’d be surprised how many people are interested in talking with others but are afraid to do it. Can’t talk to someone? Send a letter.
Getting through the holidays can be challenging. We hope doing these things will help you deal and get through the season in better spirits.
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Sources
Stop Comparing Your Behind-The-Scenes With Everyone's Highlight Reel
