Easing Holiday Stress: 8 Strategies to Transform Your Christmas Experience
Have you ever had a specific recurring bad dream that leaves you feeling moody, anxious, and deeply preoccupied? Such dreams can occur not only during our sleep but also during our waking hours. One of the most common “awake” nightmares is the dread and fear of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Many people live in trepidation every year of the upcoming winter festivities, often feeling too timid to admit their fear publicly. This leads to a secret suffering and a yearly routine of Christmas isolation.
What Is Christmas Expectation Frustration Syndrome?
Psychological studies report increased rates of depression and suicide attempts during this time of the year. Many psychological care centers experience a high volume of calls from individuals struggling with the "most wonderful time of the year." The Christmas period has become increasingly popular over the last few decades, driven by a more consuming society and the projection of an ideal Christmas scenario largely influenced by the film industry. This virtual image of what Christmas “should be” rarely matches reality, causing stress to many who are bombarded with these suggestive stimuli. This phenomenon is what I call “Christmas Expectation Frustration Syndrome.”
The effects of Christmas Expectation Frustration Syndrome on us
The worst product of this "perfect" Christmas expectation is that it tends to make us forget the real meaning and history of the Christmas holidays, which were once celebrated with simplicity, peacefulness, and clarity. My Hellenic heritage has informed me about the old, simple ways Christmas and other festivities were celebrated. Despite being bombarded by the same international projections of a commercialized Christmas, there's still resistance against this consumerist approach, reminding us that our true human nature desires something meaningful, beyond the irrational and inhuman senses of consumerism.
How can we deal with Christmas Expectation Frustration Syndrome?
Thanks to my cultural tradition, I've identified important attitudes that can help us overcome Christmas Expectation Frustration Syndrome. These, combined with insights from Positive Psychology and Mindfulness, offer practical solutions for those burdened by compulsory Christmas festivities. Here are eight suggestions to ease the vain burden of Christmas agony and let this season be a source of joy instead of stress:
Christmas Decorations Should Last a Maximum of 12 Days, Not 2 Months
Overextended Christmas decorations can dull the special effect they're meant to bring. By the time Christmas arrives, the decoration no longer offers the special effect it was intended to bring, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.
The Preparation of Christmas is Materially Simple and Spiritually Rich
Gift-giving has overshadowed the true meaning of Christmas - love, forgiveness, and solidarity. I recall my grandmother’s approach: modest gifts for those who shared their name day with Christmas, emphasizing warmth and hospitality over materialism.
Christmas as an Uplifting Experience Through Giving
Giving is a way of showing our spirituality and connection with others. My grandmother and father exemplified this through their contributions to various foundations and needy families, showing that giving brings empowerment, inner strength, and joy.
Christmas as a Time for Rest and Carefree Activities Christmas is an ideal time to rest, relax, and engage in favorite activities. This downtime is refreshing and motivates us through the winter, fueling our creativity and resilience.
Friends as Family: Time for Gatherings and Reconnection The holidays can be spent with friends or a blend of friends and family. These gatherings strengthen our sense of connection and can be more fulfilling than obligatory family gatherings.
Inviting Those Alone to Your Celebration
In Greece, it's a tradition to always cook an extra portion for unexpected guests. Inviting those who are alone to join your celebration can be deeply gratifying and aligns with the true spirit of Christmas.
Mindfulness and Introspection
During the Holidays The holiday season is an excellent time for introspection and self-evaluation. Writing down achievements, lessons learned, and future goals can be beneficial for personal growth.
Freedom and Variety in Celebrating Christmas
Christmas doesn’t have to follow a specific ritual. It's about doing something with love and choosing how to spend the day based on our desires and interests.
Christmas can be a special time celebrated mindfully, just like any other day of the year. Don't let consumerism and fast living dictate the significance of this celebration. The true essence of Christmas is in relaxation and an overall feeling of wholesomeness, not in flashy or exaggerated displays. These tips aim to provide you with a new perspective on Christmas, one that is substantial and engaging to your soul.
