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Christmas Blues: recognizing and combating Christmas blues
By Naturale Bio
Decorating the tree, the colored lights, the Christmas songs, seeing friends and relatives: this time of year for some is a real daydream but for many it can be tiring and melancholy. Let's talk about the Christmas Blues.
What is the Christmas Blues and why does it appeal to us
The causes that psychologists around the world have identified for the so-called "Christmas depression" are different. The latter is compared to a typical "seasonal" syndrome, like mood swings during seasonal changes, precisely.
The contrast between a period that almost everyone considers festive and full of joy may seem strange, but the reality is that many experience it with difficulty.
Try to think about those who are alone or live in a complex family situation: the constant storytelling of tables full of relatives and friends can only exacerbate a problem, a lack, a loneliness.
Or to all those who live very far from their loved ones, for work or necessity, or to those who are forced to stay in hospital for a long time or face health problems that take away any desire to celebrate. This aspect was exacerbated due to the pandemic and travel limitations, especially last winter.
Even people less well-off could experience these shopping days with great difficulty. Not having the opportunity to buy a nice gift for your children, for example, can be a great suffering for a parent.
Finally, all those who suffer from eating disorders e do not have a good relationship with food, they could experience the "extravagance" of the holidays with anxiety and discomfort.
Then there are those who, more simply, associate Christmas with the end of the year and, therefore, with a moment of taking stock, perhaps finding themselves thinking of not having achieved their goals or not living a satisfying life.
And then there are the grinches, the slightly cynical ones, who don't like the idea that you necessarily have to have fun because it's Christmas or that you necessarily have to be nicer.
How to fight the holiday blues
Recovering the true meaning of Christmas can be a good way to fight the Christmas Blues.
If you are alone, seek contact with others: call that friend or relative you argued with, was it really that important? Or seek support from the many voluntary associations committed to fighting this great evil of our time which is loneliness.
Or simply try to enjoy the time you have for yourself: dedicate yourself to the sport you love, prepare your favorite dish, don't give up decorating the house if it makes you feel happy: just spending Christmas alone doesn't mean you can't celebrate it anyway!
Or, if the distance is only physical from your loved ones, get creative by taking advantage of technology: a video call and a nice toast remotely can make you feel closer than you think!
Don't stress yourself by comparing yourself on social media with other people's Christmas, with other people's Christmas shopping. Perhaps many will show laid tables, poses of cheering relatives and friends and dozens of gift packages... but it only takes a few of you and giving yourself your time and your smile to be happy.
Don't exaggerate with food, don't set the table with more than you can consume: avoiding waste is good for the planet and also for our souls. But if you want to enjoy a delicacy that you wouldn't normally indulge in, do it! Without guilt that doesn't really make sense.
If you can, donate your time by volunteering, or turn those not very "heartfelt" gifts that risk being proverbial junk into donations of charity.
After all, the true meaning of Christmas is this: sharing, being there for those we love, experiencing a moment of peace and trying to give, rather than receive.
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