The Holidays
Today is Monday, November 19th and it’s a short week for some. This week represents the kick-off to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend as well as the start of the longer holiday season. Soon, many people around the country will be gathered around a table with friends or family, giving thanks to all they grateful for. Not long after that, those same people will be putting up their Christmas tree, lighting their menorah, and/or attending as many holiday functions as they possibly can before Jan 1st.
The holidays are an exciting and happy time for many. It’s a time to eat yummy food, reunite with family and friends, and reflect on all that’s good in life. For others, however, the holidays are not so joyful. The holidays are stressful, anxiety-provoking, and emotionally draining. For example:
The holidays can be a reminder of what we don’t have. It can highlight the fact that those who we wish were still in our life, are not. Or, it reminds us of the relationships we have given up or lost in order to take care of ourselves. It’s a time that can increase feelings of grief, sadness and depression.
The holidays can also be a time where we have to see people we don’t want to see. Maybe it’s that one aunt who we’ve never seen eye-to-eye with or maybe it’s our friend who we had a falling out with. These reunions are often incredibly stressful and anxiety provoking.
For those fortunate enough, the holidays means being surrounded by lots of delicious looking food and drinks. This is often thought of as a good thing, but for those struggling with eating disorders or substance abuse, it makes recovery very challenging.
The holidays often mean plans, plans and more plans. For some people this is okay, but for others it can be overwhelming to have such a full calendar, thus leading to feelings of stress, anxiety and burn out.
The holidays = travel! Traveling can be fun sometimes, but it also means busy airports, traffic jams, and weather-related delays. Dealing with the stress of travel on top of all the other stress associated with the holidays is not fun, and typically when this happens we don’t end up arriving at our destinations as our “best self.”
These are just a few examples of why the holidays are a difficult time for many. The reason I write about this is to create awareness and to help people recognize that the holidays mean something different to everyone. Some of you may love the holidays AND still experience one or more of above stressors. Whatever your experience, it is okay. It’s my hope that by reading this, no matter who you are, you will work to take care of yourself throughout this holiday season, whether that means setting boundaries with your family, putting a limit on your social plans, or taking time out of your day to reflect on what is good in your life. I also encourage you to make an effort to have compassion for, and to be kind to both yourself and others. Give yourself a break, because you are human and the holidays are hard. Give others a break because they are human too. Everyone is doing the best they can and the world is better when we practice kindness.