Holidays without stress: how to survive winter celebrations with joy, not anxiety
11 December 2024 10:26
Olha Rudyaka-Petrychenko is a psychologist, trainer, lecturer, member of the Ukrainian Psychological Association and the Ukrainian Union of Psychotherapists
The winter holidays are a time when we long for warmth, magic, and joy. However, instead of the expected coziness, many people face stress, disappointment, and exhaustion. Why does this happen?
We take on too many responsibilities, set unrealistic expectations, forget about our own needs, trying to make the holiday perfect, and lose the most important thing – sincerity and enjoyment of the moment.
How can we avoid the trap of holiday stress and really enjoy this time? Here are some simple but effective tips.
Forget about the “Perfect Christmas” – build your own
We often see movies, advertisements, and images that make the holidays look like a fairy tale: smiling faces, perfect meals, and shiny gifts. But the reality can be a little different: children are mischievous, something burned in the oven, someone was delayed at work, and sometimes the gifts do not meet expectations-all of this is normal, but it does not negate the “authenticity” and magic of the holidays.
Allow yourself a “live” holiday – imperfections are cool!
Instead of striving for the ideal, try to enjoy real life. Perhaps the main thing is not the perfect Christmas tree, but laughter, warmth and spontaneous moments. Or maybe your most beautiful Christmas is a warm blanket and the two of you in your pajamas and no decorations.
Don’t try to make everyone happy – start with yourself
Cooking a dozen dishes, looking for gifts for all relatives and participating in every party is a direct way to exhaustion. Trying to make everyone happy often ends up with us forgetting about ourselves. As a result, the holiday becomes more like a marathon than a vacation.
Plan, but with a heart, and with a backlash for desires
A clear holiday plan is great, but excessive control can take away the joy. Sometimes the best moments come unexpectedly: a walk in a snowy park or an impromptu game with the kids can bring more happiness than a carefully planned menu.
Write down the main points – meeting times, shopping. Leave everything else for inspiration. And remember: there is room for both chaos and surprises in the holiday.
Take care of yourself – the holiday will pass, but you will stay with you
Holidays often turn into a marathon: lack of sleep, chaotic eating and constant worries deplete our body and nervous system. As a result, we celebrate the New Year in a state of complete exhaustion. And there’s no point in overloading yourself like that, is there?
Take time only for yourself – everyone needs recovery
It can be a short walk, a quiet moment with hot tea or your favorite book. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity to fill the holidays with joy.
Harmony at the holiday table
Family gatherings are not only pleasant moments, but also potential conflicts. Disputes or old grievances can ruin even the best dinner.
If the conversation turns unpleasant, gently change the subject. Recall funny family stories or discuss holiday plans.
Create your own rituals
Rituals make the holidays special. They don’t have to be complicated traditions – the main thing is that they bring joy. Sometimes the simplest things will fill your holidays with new meanings.
Choose something that makes you happy: decorating a Christmas tree with your children, writing wish lists, or taking an evening walk with lanterns. Such moments remain in your memories for a long time.
Accept help
Don’t try to do everything alone. Involving your loved ones in the preparations will not only make your job easier, but also create warm memories together.
It is important to remember what to do if you are alone and there are only “perfect family pictures” around you
Not everyone spends the holidays with their families. In such difficult times of trial, hundreds of families have lost or are waiting for someone – loved ones, parents, children.
For some, this period can be difficult because of the loss or the feeling of isolation. Sadness at such moments is an understandable reaction of the body. Therefore, allow yourself any emotion, even if it differs from the mood around you. And of course, don’t hesitate to tell others about your feelings or ask for help to make this period easier.
Create a holiday for yourself. Do something that brings you pleasure: cook your favorite dish, write a wish list for the next year, watch a cozy movie. And remember: loneliness is a temporary state, and there is always a choice.
So, the holidays are not about the most expensive gifts or the perfect meal. It’s about people, moments, and feelings. Allow yourself to be yourself, share your warmth, and enjoy your own joys, even those that only you can understand.
Focus your attention on being grateful for what you have, not on thinking about what you haven’t received yet.
And of course, don’t forget that every adult is a little child, so don’t stop them from believing in miracles, making wishes, and waiting for their dreams to come true.
After all, real magic is inside us!
