In case you haven’t noticed, the holiday season has begun. There are Christmas trees, Santa Claus and his reindeer, holiday decorations, and…Mariah Carey singing “Oh Holy Night” wherever you look in retail establishments.
Whether you’re ready for it or not, the holiday season has begun after Halloween. I personally adore the holidays, but unlike most people, I favor the elaborate details and the straightforward activities that go along with it, such as staying in and putting up the tree, making homemade spiked apple cider, going skiing, eating lots of stuffing and mashed potatoes, listening to Christmas music, going to holiday art festivals, inventing new recipes, enjoying outdoor activities in the SNOW, and did I mention skiing?
Because of the social obligations, holiday parties—whether they are a work potluck, an ugly Christmas sweater party, a charity fundraiser, the infamous Turkey Trot run, elephant gift exchanges, or a relaxed social Christmas party—tend to really freak me out this time of year.
My introverted self is definitely pushed out of my comfort zone when the pressures of finding the ideal present for a loved one and acquaintances are added. Can I just stay in bed and wait until the New Year? Not to mention the extremely long lineups at supermarkets and shopping centers and the struggle to find a parking space. But let’s face it—we introvert tend to avoid shopping centers, Black Friday, and the post office around this time of year! Do people really take the time to ENJOY the holidays, I have to chuckle at times.
Examining social anxiety in greater detail during the holidays
I’m not the only one who experiences social anxiety around the holidays; studies estimate that 40% of adults suffer from it. Many people use food and drink as coping techniques, which can lead to a downhill spiral.
The clinical definition of a manic episode requires symptoms to linger for the bulk of the day, practically every day for at least a week. Reach out to a spravato clinic near me if it is present and receive a consultation.
I try to put my social anxiety and my concern of “fitting in” aside and focus on the greater picture while remaining sympathetic to the specifics, despite the fact that I feel like I am continually cornered at holiday parties and asked about my profession, love life, and why I haven’t bought a house yet.
Is it possible for people to put aside their anxieties about the holidays, social phobias, and consumerism for a moment so they can smell an apple-cinnamon candle, stand under the mistletoe, or consider the other people who are completely cut off from this festive time of year?
Examining the “not so merry side of the holiday season”
Studies show that over $900 was spent on Christmas gifts by Americans on average. Another study found that 40% of all holiday shopping takes place from Thanksgiving to Christmas, with the average customer spending just over $300 during the holiday weekend.
In stark contrast to the sums spent on Thanksgiving meals, these figures. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, between 2005 and 2015, the average cost of a family’s Thanksgiving meal increased by 36%, from $36.78 to $50.11, on average. On Thanksgiving, about 46 million turkeys are consumed, and each adult spends an average of $75 on alcohol during the holiday season in the UK, per a study.
Since the majority of people are well aware of the increased consumerism associated with the holiday season, these numbers may or may not come as a surprise to many. However, what about the social implications of the holidays? What about people like me who detest crowds and sizable holiday get-togethers? What about people who experience emotional strain this time of year because they are alone in a hospital or nursing home, are reminded of a loved one who passed away, or is without a loved one? Or those who may feel abandoned or undeserving due to mental illness or substance abuse?
I wish you happiness during the holiday season.
It is human nature to get caught up in consumerism, the anxiety of a holiday party, and the awkwardness of deciding who to buy gifts for. However, a great number of people don’t even experience these so-called “stresses” and instead find themselves alone, depressed, or too ill to even acknowledge the holiday season, much less participate in a celebration.
Every year, I realize how crucial it is to overcome my anxiety about social gatherings and put more of my attention on feeling appreciative of what I have and the people I get to spend this season with. I consider the young soldier fighting for his life and his country overseas, the children who long for their parents who are in prison, the mothers and fathers who lost their beloved children, and the emotions they must be experiencing at this time of year. I also consider the homeless, mentally ill, and addicted people.
I consider those like my grandfather, who are spending their first holiday season without a spouse, as well as my pals who don’t get along with their relatives. Since there are so many people who are deeply saddened by the holiday season and who are drowning in a sense of loss, loneliness, depression, and alcohol, I try my very best to step back and try to overcome these battles, even though I personally find myself struggling around this time of year due to the overwhelming stress from social gatherings, the overbearing consumerism, and close family members from whom I have regrettably grown distant.
This holiday season, I hope to encourage people to focus on the small things, express appreciation, find comfort in friends and family, and always keep in mind that nothing in life is permanent. May we all find the strength to overcome our obstacles and to enjoy all the next holiday season has to offer.
