As the holiday season approaches, a wave of anxiety washes over me. While I previously thought that organizing birthday parties and planning Thanksgiving dinners were stressful, nothing compares to the overwhelming pressure of Christmas. From the day after Halloween until the New Year, I find myself in a state of constant worry. This year, I fear there won’t be any festive cheer for me—just tears in the corner. So, what triggers my holiday anxiety? Let me explain a few reasons…
1. Who Receives Holiday Cards?
First, I need to decide on the holiday cards. Should I go with a generic “Happy Holidays” to be inclusive of everyone, or risk upsetting traditionalists who believe in the “war on Christmas”? The dilemma is real. Then there’s the task of choosing whom to send cards to. If I exclude someone who received one last year, will they feel hurt? Anxiety levels rise. Not to mention, I’ve probably lost their address again—why don’t I just create a Google Doc for this?
2. Who Should I Gift?
Navigating gift-giving is another source of stress. Should I buy something for my boss? Is that too formal? I’ve already given my mom her Christmas gift, so what’s the expectation there? And what about the mail carrier? It feels endless, like a never-ending song as I wander through Target, buying random items like knock-off Yeti cups filled with mints. My partner thinks I’m losing it—holiday anxiety has me firmly in its grasp.
3. Am I Overindulging the Kids?
The pressure to balance gifts for the kids can be overwhelming. If I buy one child an extravagant gift, do I have to match it for the others? It’s like complicated math where a giant LEGO set equals a specific ratio of smaller toys, and it can drive anyone to the brink of a panic attack.
4. Am I Underwhelming the Kids?
We promised to stick to the “something to read, something to wear, something to play with, and something to enjoy” rule this Christmas. That’s just four items, but the anxiety kicks in. While experiences are great, they don’t replace tangible gifts that kids can unwrap on Christmas morning. To a six-year-old, a trip to the aquarium feels like a letdown compared to actual presents.
5. The Gift-Giving Lie
We’ve mutually agreed to forgo presents, but someone inevitably breaks that promise. Whether it’s my partner, a family member, or a close friend, the fear of being the only one without a gift sends my anxiety skyrocketing. If I stick to the plan but everyone else doesn’t, will I just look like the odd one out?
6. Traveling Stress
Traveling to see relatives is a source of dread. Some of them live far away, and the thought of packing and cleaning before leaving is daunting. My partner doesn’t understand why I feel the need to tidy up before we go, but I can’t help it. I find myself wishing for a quick escape.
7. Family Dynamics
Then there’s the anxiety of actually visiting relatives. Someone will inevitably bring up contentious political views, and old family roles resurface, leading to a nostalgic yet stressful dynamic. I sometimes wish we could just enjoy a peaceful holiday at home instead.
8. Heightened Expectations
The pressure to uphold family traditions can be overwhelming. Every year, I feel the weight of expectation, whether it’s recreating Grandma’s famous cornbread or ensuring I match my sister-in-law’s handmade gifts. It’s as if I’m expected to be perfect, which only amplifies my holiday stress.
9. Decorating Dilemmas
Finally, there’s the question of how much to decorate. I want to create a festive atmosphere, but where’s the line between tasteful and over-the-top? Do I need holiday-themed towels? The fear of judgment looms large, and suddenly, I find myself hyperventilating again.
This isn’t the most wonderful time of the year; it’s the most anxiety-inducing time of the year. From standing in long lines at the post office to dealing with the complexities of holiday greetings, the season can feel like an overwhelming task. No one tells you about the stress involved in every little detail, from shopping to socializing.
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In summary, holiday anxiety is a very real experience that can overshadow the festive spirit. From card sending to gift-giving and family gatherings, the pressure to meet expectations can be overwhelming. I’ll likely be hiding until the holiday season wraps up.
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