Holiday Blues
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Not feeling too merry? It’s okay - me too.
The stories and images of holiday perfection are everywhere. Television shows and commercials, movies and morning news segments. There are cozy homes filled with smiling people gathered together, beautiful gifts and cookies in the oven.
If ever there was a year to have mixed feelings about the idea of “Happy Holidays” it is this one. Historically, the idea that the holiday season is ALWAYS chock full of special shining memories and great times with your family and friends is not true for me, and probably not true for many of you. And this year…there has been so much loss of so many kinds that it may be hard to feel festive.
Growing up, my parents would fight more during the holiday season, resulting in memories that still make me feel sad. In fact, one of the reasons that those big extended family gatherings were so important and impactful is that they provided an escape from that volatility, which always left me feeling anxious as any holiday approached.
This has always been a time of year that can exacerbate feelings of loss, or bring challenges into heightened focus. If you are working to change drinking or eating behaviors, everything gets harder. Maybe as a young person your holidays were challenging based on what was going on in your family. Maybe you have some difficult relationships in your family now. Maybe you are worn out from the demands that Covid has added to your plate, or the ways it has deeply impacted your life. Maybe you more acutely miss family and friends who are no longer with us.
I want to validate any Holiday Blues you may be having. As always, I encourage you to acknowledge your feelings, but not to live there. Don’t let your sadness lead you towards too much spending, sugar, or alcohol, or to knock yourself out by overcompensating to create a “perfect” holiday. Keep your good habits front and center, reach out to those who are less fortunate or who may be feeling really lonely, find time to do things you enjoy, and if you love a sappy Christmas movie - make yourself a hot drink and enjoy the escape.
