Introduction
Ah, the holidays—where joy meets chaos, and twinkling lights mask the mental gymnastics many of us perform. You know the drill: juggling parties, shopping, and relatives with plenty of opinions on what you should be doing. It’s a cocktail of excitement and exhaustion.
I LOVE the holidays, but I also really struggle with all the expectations—both internal and external. The mental load can weigh as heavy as a fruitcake, but don’t worry, I’ve got some light-hearted tips to keep our spirits bright and buoyant!
I’ll be honest, I saw this picture, it made me laugh so I had to put it in here.
Understanding the Holiday Mental Load
The holiday season is a double-edged sword—joyful yet burdensome. It’s a time when the pressure to be merry is sky-high, and for those of us mindful of our mental health, it can be a rollercoaster. Do we have control over it all? Not really. But the real trick is understanding what we can manage, like setting our emotional temperature, while letting go of the things beyond our reach.
It’s not easy, but it is possible.
Recognizing Holiday Triggers
What sets off those festive fireworks in our heads? For me, it’s the need to make this year’s holiday as special as ones in the past. You probably have your triggers too, whether it’s crowded malls or family members with unsolicited advice on your life choices. The key is knowing these stressors and managing around them whenever possible.
That’s why we build a plan.
Building a Holiday Plan
Building our very own holiday plan is like constructing a gingerbread house—sweet, but sturdy! Just like we talk about in Home Management for Everyone, Personalization is key. Evaluate what’s really important to YOU. Taking a little time ahead of the season to prioritize what will bring you and your family joy creates a path for you to move forward.
Do decorations make your life more magical but you couldn’t care less about gifts? Great—put time into your decor and make it an easy year for gifts. Hit up the gift card aisle and move along.
Maybe you do lots of traveling during the season so decorating feels like a waste of time for you—then don’t.
You get to decide what’s important and put your time toward that.
Setting Boundaries
Ah, the powerful “no” word. Holiday heroics often require us to say it more than once. We want there to be as much joy as possible, but it can’t be at our expense. If attending a family function is going to stress you out beyond measure, remember that “no” is a full sentence. You’re allowed to say no.
Traditions are amazing and wonderful for building memories, but sometimes they can cloud what’s actually wanted or needed. Knowing what’s important to you allows you to evaluate those traditions from a place of necessity for joy, not obligation.
You can try to incorporate some playful finesse. “Would I like to join another party? As much as I’d love to, my reindeer have other plans!” Respect those personal limits, folks—it’s the best gift to yourself.
Practicing Self-Care
Honestly, I hate the term “self-care.” It has become something completely different today than what it really is—actually meeting your own needs. Self-care is allowing your own needs to be a priority in every step of your holiday planning and actions. Just like keeping what’s important to you in mind, keep your actual needs in mind.
Embracing Support Systems
There’s strength in community—a jolly band of merry mates and various support circles are my saving grace during these festive times. Whether it’s group activities, a chat with my therapist, or winging it solo with holiday crafts, they all have a role in fortifying my mental fort. Know what? You’ve got a whole community here too, cheering you on!
Actually accept and use that help!
Playful yet Serious: Managing Expectations
Holiday expectations can sometimes be as inflated as Santa’s waistline! With a sprinkle of humor, I manage the clash between Pinterest-perfect holidays and my reality. Finding joy amid unrealistic holiday standards is a playful dance we can all learn. The secret? Laugh at the imperfect mishaps—like when the turkey ends up being more of a charcoal briquette than a golden roast!
Conclusion
In wrapping up, let’s remember that our mental health is a priority, a little peace wrapped in a bow. So here’s to choosing joy, setting boundaries, allowing yourself to be a priority, and dancing through the festivities with playful aplomb. Share your holiday survival stories in the comments! Together, let’s make this holiday season one of joy and mental wellness!