Feeling Bleak about the Holidays?

We’ve all heard it before...the holiday season is either the very best time of year or the very hardest, depending on how the previous 11 months have played out for you, and what experiences you’ve had in the past around this time of year. Chances are, if you’re like most of the world, you’re tip toeing into the next few weeks feeling cautiously optimistic or a more than a little broken. In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that 38% of mental health patients report an increase of symptoms around the holiday season. The holidays may indeed lose their shimmer as you navigate family, the reintroduction of social gatherings, and possibly new traditions. So how do you not just survive the oncoming weeks but find joy and refreshment in them? The key lies in preparing now for what comes later.

You’ll be Doing All Right...

It sounds simple but the best way to take care of other people, is to take care of yourself. Don’t overindulge this holiday season...unless that over indulgence looks like an abundance of water, sleep, and long walks in the cool crisp air. Just as you’d make plans for parties and shopping, make plans for downtime, therapy appointments, and nights in. The investment in your health will pay off in your capacity for enjoyment and socialization.

It Doesn’t Have to be a White Christmas to Not Be Blue

Chasing perfection during the holidays can lead to enormous stress and even anger at yourself and others. Let go now of believing these holidays will more than make up for last year’s difficulties. As with every other year, not every task will be completed on time and some event will not live up to someone’s expectations. Plan to live in the present and stay flexible with cancellations, disappointments, and changes. The world is still figuring out how to reinstate traditions and gatherings. Enjoy every moment you get with family and friends regardless of the situation. Be vocal with your thankfulness. Spend time enjoying memories of sweet past holidays. Remind yourself and your loved ones how glad you are to be with them.

Start A New Tradition

Live in the generosity of the season. Give more than usual, donate your time, and spend an afternoon volunteering. Remind yourself of the good things you’ve been blessed with while extending warmth and gifts to those less fortunate. You don’t have to sacrifice all of your time and resources to make someone’s holiday a more beautiful experience.

Don’t dread the coming weeks...embrace them for everything they will (and won’t) be. Remember to be realistic, honest, and kind to yourself and walk forwards with a thankful heart.

Put It Into Practice

Make a List ... and Check it Twice

Ask yourself (and even consider journaling) what the holidays truly mean to you. What do you love about them? What makes you feel “the milk of human kindness”, as the Ghost of Christmas Present would ask? You know...that warm fuzzy feeling you get when everything feels right in the world? Do you love the giving? The cooking? The concerts and plays? The late nights watching Christmas movies? The travel? 

Next, jot down a thing or two you missed most last year. We all have the unique experience of remembering a vastly different holiday season void of most of our beloved traditions and gatherings. What made last years’ holidays a less joyful?

Finally, make note of how last year’s holidays were a little more ideal. Don’t miss the little mercies from last Christmas...the quietness, the less stressful schedules, the time with family. Prioritize the life-giving events and continue to do without the excess. 

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