Halloween, Photo by PublicDomainPictures, CC0 1.0
Fall seems to be a never-ending holiday season. September kicks off the fall season with Labor Day, and then Halloween creeps up at the end of October. Then, in November, Thanksgiving gives everyone something to chew on as they muse about the upcoming holidays in December, what with Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and then ending the year with a blast on New Year’s Eve. It’s fun, but it’s also stressful. Plus, there’s the seemingly unending pressure to have the absolutely best possible holidays: you have to have cute and creative costumes on Halloween, you need to have the best food on Thanksgiving, and you need to have the best parties throughout December.
We get it. The pressure is real, and it’s kind of disheartening and disappointing when you’re not as happy as others appear to be. But if you keep a few things in mind, you’ll be able to make the most out of your holiday season, especially as the winter comes.
Adjust your expectations
Easier said than done, right? However, here’s how you can do it. First off, remind yourself that every holiday comes with its ups and downs. You don’t have to feel euphoria at every minute of every day. Maybe you’d like to, because who doesn’t like euphoria? However, it’s not realistic.
Secondly, try to find what is good in the world. The news outlets often showcase the worst news, but that’s not the only thing that’s happening in the world. There are still good things happening. Look at your community. Look at your friends. Try to think of at least three things that make you glad to be alive. It might be that guy on the street cuddling with his pet cat. Or it’s the two middle-aged women hugging each other. Or maybe you even enjoy simple things like watching a commercial Christmas light installation in the process, watching professionals climb through trees to lace lights through the branches. Whatever it is, there are still reasons to be happy to be alive.
Give and give and give
Don’t just think of it as more gifts to buy, unless that’s what makes you the happiest. If you’re going to do shopping, why not make it charitable as well? Amazon Smile has an option of donating to the charity of your choice every time you make a purchase. It’s a win-win situation, and you’ll know that your money is going to good hands.
Take time to think of people in your life who you love. Write them notes or letters telling them how wonderful they are and what they’ve done for you. Send them a picture of the two of you. Detail exactly what they’ve done for you. It’ll make you feel more grateful, and it’ll help them feel your love, too.
Donate your clothes to Goodwill and other charitable organizations. It’ll be good for you to get rid of some of those clothes that were taking up your closet, too. Think of some shelters you can volunteer at, or look for other opportunities to help.
Take time – for yourself, and for others
If you find that the overstimulation of the holiday season is draining you, don’t feel bad if you need to retreat into your bedroom for a day or two. Take that time for yourself and feel free to do whatever you want. Whatever helps you recharge. If you’re struggling with social media, unplug and take a break. Read a book that you love, or play with an animal.
However, remember that you have friends and family who need you, too. Balance the time you spend by yourself and with them. As long as you find the time to spend with them, you’ll be able to feel the joy of the holiday season. You don’t need to Instagram your moments. You can if you want, but your happiness isn’t dependent on it.
Overall, you can have a good, happy, holiday season. You don’t have to have the best holidays, but you can spend that time with people who matter most and treat you well. Give to others who need warmth and comfort, spend time with your loved ones, let them know that they are appreciated, and you’ll find yourself enjoying the holidays after all.
