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“It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year”
This classic song depicts the real spirit of the Holidays.
But it doesn’t mention that December is also the most stressful time of the year. I mean, my life is already too stressful without Christmas.
I always feel a huge load when the end of the year approaches. There’s this huge pressure to attend gatherings, walk in decorated streets, buy gifts, overspend, and get into the festive mood. And the absence of loved ones doesn’t make it any easier. As the years progress, the family table gets smaller and smaller, leaving us thinking about the ones who left.
Then comes the New Year and the pressure to start fresh—to write countless resolutions that will most likely make little sense by mid-July and almost zero sense by the end of November.
So, no, not everyone feels jolly during the holidays. Some of us dislike the crowds and the endless gatherings and just want to make it through the new year quietly and peacefully.
But how to survive when our routine is deeply disrupted? What to do when we slowly drift away from who we truly are just to please other people?
Here are the five no-nos that support my mental health during the holidays:
1. No plans that don’t align with my values. If we want to stay sane this holiday season, we must have the courage to respectfully decline the plans that conflict with our priorities. Setting boundaries around over-commitment helps us to avoid stress. It’s a reminder to prioritize our comfort, peace of mind, and the people who truly matter.
2. No overspending. The best way to not overspend is to stick to a budget…and a self-promise. Be honest about what you and others really need and identify any triggers that might push you to impulsively spend. If you feel the urge to buy something, pause and give yourself some time and space to examine whether or not you need that object.
3. No pressure to be happy. The pressure to be happy during the holidays is sometimes overwhelming and tiring. We often feel drained once the holidays end because of our disrupted routines and forced emotions. If we want to remain connected to ourselves, we must prioritize authenticity. We might feel anxious, stressed, sad, or reluctant, which is perfectly normal. We don’t need to hide our real emotions just to please others or to fit in.
4. No reinventing myself. This year, I’m aiming for long-term growth—not short-term goals. Fresh starts tend to trigger dopamine, pushing us to make New Year’s resolutions that might fade away by February. Instead of falling into the whole trap of “new year, new me,” focus on the present moment and how you can use it to create sustainable, consistent growth.
5. No drifting away from my routine. The holiday season is busy, draining, and fast, so if we want to maintain a healthy routine that keeps us happy and productive, we must prioritize the things that keep us grounded—aka self-care. Find some quiet time during the holidays that helps you recharge and reconnect with your deepest desires.
When the holidays end, we shouldn’t feel disconnected or drained. Make sure you are constantly pausing, breathing, loving yourself, and accepting your emotions—even if they don’t align with the norm.
~
author: Elyane Youssef
Image: giselle_dekel/Instagram
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