• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Its a Hero

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Sponsor and Advertising
  • Categories
    • recipes
    • brews + food
    • wellness
    • events
    • dairy-free
    • money saving tips
    • Explore Ohio
    • Family Travel
    • tips + tricks
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • giveaway
    • printables
  • Instagram Links

It’s Okay To Feel Overwhelmed at Christmas

December 22, 2017 by Rachel 12 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links

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! 

Filed Under: #MomLife, anxiety, children, Christmas, health Tagged With: #MomLife, celebration, children, Christmas, holidays, mental health

Previous Post: « Baby Number 3 // The First Trimester
Next Post: We Survived Christmas 2017! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tonya

    December 22, 2017 at 11:50 pm

    I 100% agree. Even NYE — we’re staying in this year cause it’s just too much. The older I get the more I wanna keep it simple and enjoy the moment.

    Reply
    • Rachel

      December 23, 2017 at 6:53 pm

      Yes! I’ve always kind of despised any big NYE celebrations because it’s WAY too much! Happy now that I can use my kids as an excuse to stay in NYE 😉

      Reply
  2. Britney Kaufman

    December 23, 2017 at 12:36 am

    I love this! I struggle so hard around this time of year, trying to explain how I feel to others is the hard part!

    Reply
  3. Aseky Bonnaire

    December 23, 2017 at 1:23 am

    I love this! I’ve said “no” to a few Christmas parties, and just cuddled on the couch instead. And you know what? It was nice and I didn’t feel like I was kissing out.

    Reply
  4. Rachel

    December 23, 2017 at 8:33 am

    This is so me! I love being with my people and friends but the thought of making small talk sends me into complete anxiety!! Thank you for this sweet reminder!

    Reply
  5. jaclyn

    December 23, 2017 at 10:22 am

    It is a joyful yet stressful time of year. We have really cut back on events and have been saying yes to more family time. The kids really need down time too!

    Reply
  6. ashley peavey

    December 23, 2017 at 11:10 am

    I love this post!! It is such a struggle, but I try to remind myself to slow down.

    Reply
  7. This Messy Season

    December 23, 2017 at 11:40 am

    It is so true! We all feel overwhelmed this time of time to some degree, it can’t always be rainbows and ponies. Thank you for sharing I know it helped to hear I’m not alone!

    Reply
  8. Eryka

    December 23, 2017 at 3:21 pm

    Yes, Yes, Yes! It can be exhausting for sure

    Reply
  9. nicole

    December 24, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    Gah! This was just what I needed to read!

    Reply
  10. Elizabeth O

    December 25, 2017 at 6:11 pm

    I do hope people would take some of your advice and learn to not get so overwhelmed with the holidays… simplifying is key to making it less stressful

    Reply
  11. Shopdealman

    December 31, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    I love having a special box for Christmas Eve!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Blog Archives

Grab the Button

It's a Hero

Recent Posts

  • Copycat Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
  • Easy Reuben Sliders Recipe
  • New Years Eve Charcuterie Board
  • Kids New Years Eve Charcuterie
  • Easy Christmas Charcuterie Board
  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
  • Mason Jar Pancake Mix
  • Air Fryer Tornado Potatoes
  • Easy Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
  • Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
Collaborate with Rachel Loza on influencer marketing
dealspotr.com
Follow