The Christmas season is considered one of the happiest times of the year. It is a period of togetherness, love, gift giving and earnest celebration. Yet, the joyfulness of it all can easily be lost on those who suffer from bouts of “holiday blues.”  In place of good cheer and glad tidings are pangs of sadness.  In some cases, downright depression!  If the latter is experienced, this could be an indication of seasonal depression, which may require medical treatment if it is particularly severe and/or affects the ability to carry out everyday functions. This article does not cover seasonal depression so for more information please refer to our article on Seasonal Affective Disorder.

There are many factors that can negatively affect an individual’s attitude towards the Christmas holidays.  It is important to realize that these feelings are normal responses that should not make you feel strange, inferior or inhuman.  The feelings of anxiety, sadness, or depression are termed “holiday blues” because of its temporary, situational nature.  Exploring the causative agents that can trigger these emotions is the first step to dealing with this episodic despondency.  This week, we highlight two agents.

Fighting the Holiday Blues

1. The Economic Implications

With the season comes giving, and giving and more giving.  It becomes even trickier when children are involved or you are the member of a close-knit, large immediate and extended family. It doesn’t help that the economic burden is far more likely to occur if there are expectations on what gifts will elicit the most genuine response.

People have a tendency to place emphasis on cost over the meaning behind each gift. Subsequently, many are left with the choice of either being resented for a gift that is deemed too inexpensive or becoming heavily indebted to please loved ones. When left with what is perceived as a “no win situation” one’s levels of anxiety and stress will likely increase dramatically.  Slowly, the holidays don’t seem so merry as you begin to feel the “holiday blues”.

Finding a Resolution

Recognize that your well-being must be your number one priority.  Take the necessary steps to reduce the impact of perceived seasonal economic woes.

• Establish your limit from the get-go.  Make it known that the holidays will not involve lavish spending if that is not within your budget.
• If you are a mother or father, stress the importance of gratefulness.  Discount the idea that a gift must be expensive to be worthwhile.
• Do not concern yourself with the ideals that others have adopted. Subscribe to your own and live by them during the holiday season.
• If you are Christian take the focus away from the monetized version of Christmas.  Place the emphasis on the nativity and the birth of Christ.
• If you are not religious, emphasize the idea of togetherness over the spectacle of gift giving.

2. New Found or Extended Loneliness

If you have recently ended a relationship or you have been single for some time, the idea of celebrating a holiday centered on togetherness can be dreadfully daunting. This can be exacerbated if you do not have very close family ties or many friendships. Loneliness is one of the major reasons people get depressed over the holidays. Many of us are raised on the idea that Christmas is only worthwhile when surrounded by loved ones.

Being alone is hard enough for most of us because we naturally crave human connections.  Being on your own for the Christmas holidays can feel utterly maddening as you begin to experience the “holiday blues”.

Finding a Resolution

• Embrace your current position.  Being alone over the holidays is far more frequent than many people would have you believe.
• If there are moments when you feel deeply saddened, face these feelings with honesty. If you feel overwhelmed, there is no weakness in having a good cry. Do not force yourself to be happy if you aren’t happy. Admit you are feeling the “holiday blues”.  However, be careful not to wallow in a state of hopelessness and despair for long periods.
• If possible, involve yourself with a charitable organization. Giving to the less fortunate over the holidays is a good way to help while putting things in perspective.
• Find new ways to enjoy the season.  If you are able to, consider taking a trip to a destination that you have never been to before.
• Expand your social circle.  Find new avenues for meeting people. Building a support group is a productive way of combating feelings of loneliness.
• Remind yourself that being on your own can be its own reward. You have more freedom to make the types of plans that suit you entirely without needing to consult someone else.
• Do not compare your activities with those of people in relationships. There are different ways to enjoy the holidays, choose the most rewarding path for you within the scope of your current situation.

Part 2, Surviving Holiday Blues Depression, explores more possible reasons for “holiday blues” and the steps you can take to remedy seasonal malaise.