My Thoughts on Holiday Health.
Instead of adding more holiday style content to the mix, I’m going to take this opportunity to talk about something most people don’t want to talk about during the holiday season. This week the company I work for, East Fork, sent out a newsletter in regards to mental health around the holidays (part of which you can read here) - and seeing my friends and co-workers open up about how they feel this time of year, really got me thinking about my own feelings about the holiday season.
For some, this may truly be the most wonderful time of the year - I mean it’s supposed to be right. That’s what we’re hearing and seeing everywhere! But for many, it actually isn’t all that wonderful. This time of year can leave people feeling lonely, depressed, and inadequate. Both Andrew and I have families in the midst of some pretty complex family dynamics. I think for the past couple of years we have felt more sadness than anything around this time of year from looking back on memories and traditions from when we were young - and knowing things would never quite be the same. A sense of ‘Grinchyness’ takes over and it seems like a better idea to try to oppose celebrating than face those feelings or come to terms with the idea that things change.
This is the first year in a while, where I think we’ve both found a little peace that that’s okay, things don’t have to be as they were. BUT, we are lucky to have each other. Our goal this year is to find a way to start making our own traditions and memories to give the holidays a new meaning and feeling in our house. OR, not really put any pressure on ourselves at all, to do this thing, or buy this stuff or eat this food - but rather enjoy each other’s company, be thankful for our health and the time we have together, and give ourselves a little bit of grace that things don’t have to be perfect or a certain way, or as glamorous as what someone’s doing on Instagram.
When you thinking you’re making small talk and asking someone what their holiday plans are, maybe take a minute to understand, that this might not be a fun time for them, they don’t have exciting holiday travel planned, this is bringing up a lot of pain for them and they probably don’t really wan to talk about it - and just extend a little kindness. Kindness should not be confused as taking pity on someone, and kindness should definitely not be identified as spreading holiday cheer, because holiday cheer may be the last thing someone wants coming their way as it’s already being blasted at them in every direction.
Whether you’re celebrating any holidays this season or not, I hope through this time of year you can all find a little joy, inside yourselves however that may come to you. And realize that if you’re not feeling all kinds of merry and bright right now, that’s ok, and you are definitely not alone. I’m going to take the next few days as a break from the craziest few weeks of work, a moment to enjoy some quality time with my husband, a chance to try a new recipe or two and maybe an opportunity to pamper myself with a bubble bath and the luxury of a nap in the middle of the day. Who knows?!
If you have any tips or thoughts on how you get through the holiday season, or the cold, dark months of winter, or the self deprecating resolutions of New Year’s, I would love to hear them in the comments below.
Thrifted Woolovers Cardigan via Goodwill, The Style Club Tee, Gianni Bini Wide Legs, Vans Sk8 Hi Tops, Beanie c/o Andrew’s Closet
*I am in no ways a health care professional, this is just my way of trying to get out the personal feelings I am working through this time of year, which are changing every day. My goal is not to tell anyone how to take care of themselves or get through this complex time of year, but to just try to spread a little extra love and kindness to those around me.
