Not everyone feels happy and joyful during Christmas and the holidays. It can be a stressful, challenging, lonely, isolating or depressing time for some. Some reasons for this might include:
- Family tension/conflict
- Relationship issues
- Financial costs and money worries
- Numerous social, family and work events
- High or unrealistic expectations
- Ideals about the ‘perfect’ Christmas or pressure to enjoy every moment of it
- Not having family or friends around
- Pressure to celebrate
- Bereavement
- Separation and divorce
- Time pressures
- Long work hours in the lead up to Christmas
- Health issues
Coping tips –
- Plan ways to reduce spending, such as low- cost gifts or ways to have fun
- Set budgets
- Set realistic expectations
- Try not to compare your Christmas experience with that of others, especially on social media
- Consider a break from social media
- Set boundaries and consider saying no, especially to things you are dreading doing
- Do what’s right for you
- Stay in touch with loved ones if you can
- Be patient and kind to yourself, and prioritise your needs
- Look after yourself – eat well, exercise, drink water, sleep well, get fresh air, limit alcohol, drugs and caffeine, get out into nature and the sunshine, take time out for yourself
- Plan some early nights
- Do more of the things you enjoy
- Let people know if you are struggling
- Remember that you don’t have to force yourself to be happy just because it’s Christmas
- Give yourself rewards
- Use relaxation strategies and breathing techniques
- Remember Christmas isn’t forever, it’s just one day
- Try to plan something to look forward to after Christmas
- Take time to feel and express your feelings
- Reach out to others/supports/EAP Assist