Truth be told, many of us aren’t feeling the holiday spirit this year. By “it,” we mean the joy and excitement that usually accompany Christmas—the baking, decorating, singing carols, and wrapping presents until dawn. Perhaps it’s the ongoing pandemic, endless months of virtual schooling, or the bleak state of our finances weighing on us. It could also be the frustration of dealing with those who ignore health guidelines or the grief of loved ones lost.
For a multitude of reasons, we’re feeling particularly Grinch-like as we close out the exhausting year that has been 2020. Instead of merry, we feel angry. Our holiday spirit has been replaced by a longing for a long nap until the vaccine arrives. Decorating the tree, putting up lights, and baking cookies? Not on our to-do list.
And yet, we need joy now more than ever. So here’s the challenge—let’s dig deep and rediscover that tiny flicker of warmth within us. The Grinch managed to find his heart, and so can we! With just a few days left of this year, maybe we can listen to a carol or two, hang a wreath, wrap up some quirky socks for the kids, and coax out that Christmas spirit that still exists within us.
I’m not ready for Christmas this year. I can’t even muster the energy to put up the tree. I just want to relax and enjoy my kids without all the holiday chaos.
Confessionals
Confessional #258097123: With the kids under 10 all e-learning, I just want some peace at the end of the day. Christmas is the last thing on my mind; I’d rather sleep in and let them open presents while I catch some Zs.
Confessional #25809299: Today, I’m doing all the festive things with my kids, but I feel completely numb. It’s like I’m dead inside.
Confessional #25809716: I wish we could just skip Christmas this year. It feels like just another obligation piled on top of helping the kids finish online school.
Confessional #25809691: When Christmas carolers showed up at my door, I panicked and didn’t even open it. Thanks, COVID.
COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on our holiday spirit, and if you’re feeling too depleted to dive into all the festive activities this year, that’s completely understandable. You don’t have to bake dozens of cookies or buy gifts for everyone like in years past. Be kind to yourself! Bundle up in cozy pajamas, take a drive to see the lights, and maybe whip up some hot cocoa. Voilà, Christmas spirit accomplished!
I dread gift shopping for my husband; he’s never satisfied!
Confessional #25809499: My husband sent me a pic of a hair tool I wanted for Black Friday. I was thrilled he remembered, but of course, he didn’t get it. Year after year, I watch my family open gifts while I receive nothing. It’s disheartening.
Confessional #25808103: I always end up buying my own birthday and Christmas gifts. If I don’t look out for myself, I’ll end up with nothing.
Confessional #25792152: My husband gave me money to buy my Christmas presents. I don’t understand why he didn’t just get them himself. I’ll have nothing to unwrap on Christmas.
Confessional #25762510: There’s nothing worse than feeling underappreciated by a partner during the holidays. Why don’t they ever get it?
Confessional #25808941: I feel so sad; I’m the only one working minimum wage and can’t afford gifts for my kids this year. Santa won’t be visiting, and I’m so sorry, kids.
Confessional #25762464: I can’t wait to open presents tomorrow, but I already know it’s going to be disappointing since I could only afford pajamas and slippers.
Confessional #25762360: The only way I could buy gifts for my kids was by skipping my student loan payment this month.
Confessional #25761235: I withdrew money from my mutual funds to buy Christmas presents, mostly for myself, to avoid feeling like a complete loser.
For many, the pandemic has strained finances, making it hard to create the magic of Christmas. But remember, as long as your kids feel loved on Christmas morning, you’ve succeeded. It doesn’t take a lot of money to show them you care.
Well, I had a breakdown today due to holiday stress. I parked in an empty lot and sobbed for two hours. If only my family understood the lengths I go to for presents. Perhaps then they would treat me like a human being.
Confessional #25761330: After coming home from shopping for the kids and my husband, I found him playing video games while the house was a mess. I wanted to return everything. This feels unfair.
Confessional #25760933: I’m tired of spending hundreds on Christmas gifts that my kids barely play with before they’re shoved in a closet.
Confessional #25804888: If my teenagers don’t set up the tree this year, we won’t have one. I work full-time and handle everything else. I honestly don’t care about this holiday anymore.
Confessional #25809375: Going through years of photos to make a Christmas gift has me feeling ragey. It’s clear I do everything and these selfish people won’t even cooperate for pictures. I want to cancel Christmas!
One of the toughest parts of the holidays is the effort we put in to create magic, often without any appreciation. If that resonates with you, know you’re not alone. We see how hard you’re working.
My mom claims she has no money for Christmas yet just bought birthday gifts for her dog, complete with cake and cookies.
Confessional #25801674: My husband invited his parents to watch the kids open gifts on Christmas morning. I just want to enjoy it without their judgmental comments. Why can’t I have one thing to enjoy?
Confessional #25762234: I really dislike Christmas and the overly emotional adults who obsess over gifts and traditions.
Confessional #25809588: My mother-in-law brings over tacky decorations without asking and starts putting them up. I find that rude and controlling—imagine how she’d react if I did the same to her.
Sometimes, it’s other adults who bring out our inner Grinch. It’s time for the in-laws to back off and let us celebrate Christmas our way or we’ll just have to do it without them (which sounds blissful, honestly).
So if you’re leaning more towards “Bah humbug!” than “Ho, ho, ho!” this year, it’s completely normal. 2020 has drained us, and many of us just want a nap instead of baking cookies or stuffing stockings.
Remember, you don’t have to exhaust yourself to make Christmas special. You don’t need to splurge on extravagant gifts or capture a picture-perfect family moment. Whether the pile of presents is smaller this year, you spend the day in pajamas, or you opt for chicken nuggets for dinner, it’s all okay. This year has been tough. Cut yourself some slack, lower those expectations, and play a little “Jingle Bells” in the background. You might just discover that the Christmas spirit is still lurking within you.
Above all, make sure to prioritize a good nap. You deserve it!
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In summary, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and disconnected from the holiday spirit this year. As we navigate these challenging times, it’s essential to be kind to ourselves, prioritize our well-being, and embrace simplicity.
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