Call me a Grinch but I’m choosing not to do much to celebrate Christmas this year.
I didn’t put up the tree.
I didn’t decorate my desk at work.
I’m not playing carols.
I didn’t send any cards.
I didn’t go to the office Christmas party.
I won’t be dressing festively.
I’m not hosting Christmas Day.
And I’ve bought a modest amount of gifts.
No, I don’t hate Christmas
It’s not that I hate Christmas, it’s more that I just can’t deal with it right now.
This time 2 years ago I was very burnout and just diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder. With the 2nd anniversary of my breakdown I’m recognising the familiar signs of overwhelm. I can feel it lapping at my shores again, threatening to crush my carefully crafted calm.
I’m not taking any time off apart from the gazetted public holidays. Without a large buffer of time off, it’s even more important for me to take care of myself.
I’m prioritising saving my sanity over all the festive trimmings.
I’m saving time and lack of time stresses me out.
I’m saving money and lack of money stresses me out.
I’m saving energy and lack of energy influences my ability to cope with stress.
Finding the joy in Christmas
I don’t want to just cope. I want to experience joy.
So, as I focus on finding the joy, I realise it’s the people in my life that bring that gift.
You can choose calm over chaos
Admittedly, I have the freedom from a lot of cultural pressures and I don’t adhere to any religious practices so perhaps I make it sound easy. I don’t blame you for thinking as much, if Christmas is a big deal in your family.
However, is experiencing your festive season as a strung out mess worth it, all because you feel you have to do what is expected?
If you are feeling a tad overwhelmed this year with what you’ve committed to, then vow to take a different approach next year. Work out what you think you can get away with, and then do just a bit less than that.
For those of you who do celebrate Christmas, I wish you a merry one. Full of joy and hopefully calm too.
From my heart to yours,
Kirsten x
Jo says
December 24, 2016 at 8:40 pmHear Hear Kirsten! At the very time we are meant to be having some rest and replenishment, most people’s stress levels are over the top. Taking time to think and question rather than just following blindly along with ‘tradition’ or expectations is transformational. Good on you for considering your own needs and priorities at this time. Wishing you a peaceful and relaxing holiday season, in the warm embrace of those who mean the most to you!