It’s Okay To Feel Overwhelmed at Christmas

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Oh, Christmas! The most wonderful time of the year! I’ve said it before — I absolutely love the way my children light up at the mere mention of Santa. All of the magic that I see through their eyes translates into the happiest of feelings for me.

But there’s a side to Christmas that is less talked about. And that’s the overwhelming feeling of all of it.

I’m not one to easily shy away from hustle and bustle. Friends regularly tell me that they cannot believe how packed my schedule is and how many fun little outings I regularly take my children on.

But Christmas can be daunting in a different way…

There are parties. There are events. There is shopping. But I think the underlying issue is that there are so many things I have to be “on” for. See, as much as I am a people person, I also much prefer the laid back nights. Even if those laid back nights still include going out with my family; just not going out with my family to a big event — where we’re expected to be there for hours at a time and my conversation ‘game face’ has to be on.

Don’t get me wrong — I’m great at conversation! Fantastic, mostly! But I thrive on conversations that are lacking in substance but full of laughs. Where it gets tricky? Small talk. Lots of small talk with people I see infrequently. It gives me anxiety.

Oh — and germs. Why, why, why, why, DEAR GOD WHY, does flu season fall right in the middle of the holidays!?! It feels like a cruel joke.

So, like many people, my emotions and moods are a constant roller coaster during the holidays; the neverending highs and lows of the joy of wonder, mixed with the simple exhaustion of the season.

And you know what? That’s okay. 

It’s okay to decline plans or parties because it isn’t healthy for you and/or your family. 

It’s okay to bundle up on the couch and watch Christmas movies instead of hitting up that ugly Christmas sweater party.

It’s okay to not always be jolly and happy. 

Heck! It’s okay to be flat out exhausted by all of it! 

Give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling. Don’t be even harder on yourself — especially this time of year.

Remember: The holidays are about finding joy with your family — you do not owe anyone else anything!

 

PS. Things are going to be quiet for me for the next few days, but I’ll regularly be updating my Instagram stories — so make sure you’re following me on Instagram!