Christmas and other holidays are times to celebrate, and we generally look forward to them because we associate them with special moments in our lives. But For many people, this season causes a certain level of stress and sadness.
This is known as holiday blues or Christmas nostalgia. Of course, it is not a syndrome or mental disorder. It is rather the name that has begun to be used to define these moments when, paradoxically, someone feels emotionally unwell during a time considered to be full of celebration and hope.
Why do we feel Christmas nostalgia?
The reasons can be many and varied. But one of the main reasons for the malaise during the holiday season is longing. Sometimes, instead of remembering past moments with gratitude, we do so with a sense of lack. This causes a sadness that's hard to explain.
On the other hand, Nostalgia at Christmas can also be the result of the high expectations that these dates provoke. In commercials, songs, shop windows... everywhere, it's emphasized that it's time to have fun, socialize, and be festive. Whether it's well-intentioned wishes or pure marketing, Being happy seems more like a mandate than a personal decision. And since we do not always fulfill that obligation, we feel bad.
There are many things we can do to reduce stress and Christmas nostalgia.
Here are 5 suggestions:
1. Create realistic expectations.
Let's start with the most important one. Create realistic expectations. If you have the opportunity to spend time with someone you care about at Christmas or other holidays, what more could you want? You don't need to give or receive the best gifts, or for your dinner to be as good as it came from a high-end restaurant. Remember that you don't have to impress anyone.
If you're spending Christmas alone and aren't used to it, there are many plans you can make. Whether you're alone or with others, the goal is the same: reflect, be grateful, and have a good time. That's more than enough.
2. Take some time for yourself and recharge.
It's the season of holidays and get-togethers. Many are out of obligation, and you can end up truly tired or with your schedule full of things you wouldn't care about any other month. For many, a calendar full of social events can be a cause of anxiety.
If you're one of those people who find the Christmas atmosphere simply too noisy and crowded, be sure to take the time you need to rest and recharge.
3. Avoid Christmas consumerism.
There's no need to buy so many things. Consumerism is exhausting, and I'm not just talking about the economic aspect. It's also because you can enter a shopping maze whose exit you won't find until next year. Buying too much and spending too much also takes away your energy and time. In other words, it can become overwhelming.
4. Do something comforting for yourself.
You don't have to do the same old thing, or what everyone else does. If you want to celebrate the holidays watching movies and sipping hot chocolate, do it. If cooking makes you nervous, order pre-made food. If you don't want to go to that get-together a friend of a friend's friend invited you to, stay home. Do something comforting for you and you will see how that nostalgia and/or Christmas anxiety diminishes even if it is just a little.
5. Be grateful.
This fits in pretty much any feel-good list… but for a reason: it works. Consciously recognizing every kind gesture that comes your way improves your mood. and positively influences our actions. Sometimes it's hard, but find the ideal moment for yourself and try to stop worrying about what you don't have and be genuinely grateful for what you do have.
