First off, it’s important to remember that many of the stressors that we experience around the holidays are self-induced. There is a lot of pressure for many people to make this “the best holiday ever”. It’s a message that is fed to us starting November 1st when all the television commercials tell us all the things we need to make the most of our holiday. This often leads to feeling that we need to have the best gifts, the tastiest meals, the cleanest home, and the perfect holiday. Not only does this cause a great deal financial stress, but striving to make something “perfect” can lead us to feel negative when we don’t meet our unrealistic expectations. It’s important to appropriately prioritize your holiday goals and ensure they are goals that can be reasonable met. Keep your holiday expectations realistic! If you’re holiday goals are met, then you had just the holiday you wanted and if they go beyond your expectations then it’s a bonus!
The financial factors of the holiday season are often the most stressful for individuals and families. Gift-giving has become our way of showing those around us how much we love and appreciate them. Unfortunately for many of us, we simply don’t have enough to give all that we want. When we push our finances beyond their limit, it causes a great deal of stress and fear for the future. The best way to ensure that this doesn't happen this year is to set a firm and comfortable budget- and stick to it! Find ways to reduce your budget by making thoughtful gifts for your friends and family. Websites like Pinterest are full of ideas on how to create wonderful gifts from your home. When in doubt, consider whether a gift is going to do more positives for the recipient than harm and stress to the giver.
This time of year is also the perfect time to practice and recall the stress management techniques that you've used in the past. No matter how busy we get around the holidays, it’s important to remember to take time out for our own mental health. Meditating, doing yoga, or practicing guided imagery techniques are just a few ways that we can take a couple of minutes to press the reset button on our day and relax. If those activities aren't your style of relaxing, then find one that works for you. No matter what the activity, it’s important to spend at least 30 minutes a day taking time to relax and reboot.
Finally, one of the reasons that some people get depressed around the holidays has to do with the loved ones that are not around. Whatever the reason that they are not with you, the most important thing to focus on is those loved ones who are present in your life. Focus your time and energy on appreciating the positive times you have with the friends and family that you interact with this holiday season. Try to frame your mind in positive thoughts, and let memories from previous holidays be a happy photo album and not a depressing slideshow. If your depressed feelings become too strong or you’re not sure if you will be able to deal with them, then don’t hesitate to contact a professional counselor or someone else who can help you cope with your emotions.
We have the power to decide what kind of holiday season we want to have. We can choose to be stressed, overwhelmed, and disappointed or we can choose to joyful, relaxed, and fulfilled. This year, make the conscious decision to avoid the ghosts of holidays past and take control of mood.
Happy Holidays!
William Knor, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor