The Holiday Machine
In our culture, there is what I like to call the Holiday Machine. It is the commercialization of the traditions that we hold dear, and the exploitation of them, broadly speaking, to make money. The holiday machine promotes particular ways of doing things, or of feeling, or of appearing. The holiday machine is rife with hype and pressure and can leave us feeling bad.
The holiday machine would have you believe these things:
That the holidays are the most magical time of the year.
That everyone grew up in homes where there were holiday foods that their mothers or grandmothers made every year.
That all families are happy during the holidays.
That everyone loves to be home during the holidays.
That indulging in rich foods and alcohol is the way to enjoy yourself.
That you need to spend a lot of money to show people how much you care about them.
That people’s jobs/personal problems/relationship challenges are irrelevant to the holiday equation.
That everyone has people around them to celebrate with.
That addiction issues around food, alcohol or drugs do not get exist.
That there are not profound sadness and feelings of loss that can come up.
It is no wonder that there is, and has been for years, a movement away from these myths. To keep things simpler, spend less money, be less of a consumer and more of a giver.
My point? Don’t buy into the hype. If you are somehow feeling that you, or your family, or your home does not measure up, you are in good company. Feel your feelings, celebrate in whatever way feels right for you, and ask for help if you need it.
