The festive season has arrived whether you’re ready for it or not.
As a child, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year filled with gifts, games, sweets and carols. But as we age, what is supposed to be a fun and joyful celebrations with friends and family can often be wrought with stress, anxiety and disappointment.
Recent data from The American Psychological Association reveals that 38 per cent of people say the holidays increase stress levels.
Another 26 per cent of people experience an increase in feelings of sadness and loneliness.
Whether you’re spending Christmas with your extended family, are driving down the coast for a beach getaway, or are spending the holiday season alone, the key to surviving may be as simple as keeping your expectations realistic.
Try not to expect Christmas miracles
We’ve all seen movies where Christmas dinner is a delightful experience for everyone. Sadly, this is not realistic for most families.
The Better Health Channel advises people not to expect Christmas miracles. If family members bicker all year long, there is sure to be tension at Christmas festivities.
Combat arguments by keeping everyone active throughout the day. A game of backyard cricket is the perfect Aussie solution! No one has time to argue when there are runs to be made.
Be aware of your limits
If you or a loved one are already suffering a mental health condition, it’s important to be aware of your limits and know how to recognise signs of stress, anxiety and other changes in your mood.
Try not to self-medicate with too much food or alcohol. Instead stick to your usual routine throughout the holiday period, ensuring you’re getting plenty of rest and regular exercise.
Show thanks for your own accomplishments
Christmas can be difficult for some people due to a self-perceived lack of life accomplishments.
Psychology Today notes that people may experience depression during the holiday season because Christmas can be a trigger to engage in excessive self-reflection and rumination about the inadequacies of life in comparison to other people.
Whether you’re the only single person at the Christmas table, family members are boasting about their impressive salaries, or your Great Aunt is asking why you’re not getting higher grades at school like your cousin is – remember that this doesn’t equal the whole picture or show the struggles faced behind the scenes. It’s only the highlight reel.
And ultimately, the more time you waste being distracted by what everyone else is supposably achieving, the less time you’ll have to compile your own highlights.
Allow yourself to experience emotions
One common expectation is that Christmas will be ‘perfect’ in every way. However, for people who have recently lost a family member or loved one, the holidays may increase their feelings of grief and loneliness.
Don’t push these feelings aside or expect Christmas to be the same as it always was. Small details such as empty chairs at the dinner table can trigger emotions. It’s perfectly natural to be affected by loss and people should never feel guilty for feeling this way.
We’re not all perfect families with Christmas traditions that belong on the front of a greeting card – and that’s okay.
Keep your expectations realistic this Christmas and you’re bound to experience more joy and happiness when the calendar flicks over to December 25th.
