It’s here already!! Where on earth did the year go? Christmas time and all that it brings can be both fun and stressful.
The festive season brings a host of expectations: Happy gatherings of family and friends, giving and receiving gifts, often exceptionally lavish meals, decorations, lighting displays, dressing up, and quirky things like where the Elf on the Shelf needs to be positioned and moved around somewhat creatively.
Personally, and financially, Christmas time can be an absolute nightmare for many. While for others, it’s a wonderous time of family, friends and fun. The expectation to have a wonderful fun-filled time with family is often tainted with the stress of being able to afford all the festivities. Keeping up with the Jones’s. Maintaining family traditions. Children grow and have their own families and start their own family traditions. Changes in family dynamics. Some people are working. The list is endless and it is stressful.
Awareness of your own situation.
As we move towards Christmas how are you feeling about it all? Do you even celebrate Christmas?
Do you have a wonderful Christmas planned? Will you be with family and friends for the day or are you alone? (And if you are, are you ok about it?) Being alone for Christmas may be challenging and isolating. It may be your preference to be alone or have a low-key time.
No matter what your plans, obligations or expectations are for Christmas, there are things you can do to have a wonderful day.
You are enough. You are worthwhile.
What can we do to help ourselves?
Money: Set your budget. Stick to it. It’s you who will be left to deal with the consequences of being pressured into overspending, not the person you were trying to keep up appearances with.
People: You want to be with family or friends but can’t? The technology available now allows you to spend a little time connecting with your loved ones. I hope you can access it.
Geography: I recall spending a few Christmas meals with other families and what we called the “Orphans’ Christmas” when many of us couldn’t get home for the time so we all had a meal together. I am not sure I appreciated this fully at the time, but I look back on these days with great fondness and appreciation.
Yourself: Take care of yourself. Expectations are high enough at this time of year. Be kind to yourself. This is probably easier said than done and sounds over-simplified, but it’s true. Maybe take some time away from the crowd to breathe, and regulate yourself again.
Others: if you are able to, take care of someone else either directly or by donating a little something or even your time.
Some organizations that can support people who would like a bit of help at this time of year with Christmas gifts, and food are:
(Actually, I did an online search for Christmas support for Families, and a big list came up! There are bazillions of organizations and individuals, doing something to support others at this time of year)
The Wilkydoo herd and I wish you all a safe and contented Silly Season.
May it be the best you can make it.
If any of this has raised issues or concerns for you, please don’t hesitate to contact your GP or mental health professional. Help is available.
Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
Bush Support Line 1800 805 391