Hey, it’s OK, Guide to Navigating Christmas

The festive season places so many expectations upon us. These expectations can be societal, religious, it can come from friends and family or even be expectations we place on ourselves. After all, it’s hard not to feel the pressure, especially when Christmas is packaged to us as a bright, jolly time of the year full of feasts and celebrations.

For many, Christmas can be simply overwhelming. The pressure to stick on a smile and converse can be far from delightful, it can feel draining. Christmas is a time of heightened emotion, which can exacerbate mental health conditions alongside physical ones.

If you’re finding the festive season daunting, please know you are not alone. It can be a very triggering time, so now is the time to show yourself some grace and self – care. Here is our Hey, it’s OK… list to navigating Christmas.

Hey… it’s OK – To say no, (thank you!) to social events and occasions that feel a bit too much to manage. Remember, a polite no is enough, no justification needed.

Hey… it’s OK – To time cap or limit any activities you do choose to go to. For many of us our social battery becomes easily depleted, so be aware of when enough is enough.

Hey… it’s OK – To not feel Christmassy, if this holiday is a little too bright and loud then find your escapism that provides some solace. Whether that is losing yourself in a good game, a compelling read or some decent telly free from any yule tidings.

Hey… it’s OK – To have a good cry and experience down days. Being authentic and honest with how you’re feeling is good emotional awareness and may provide realisations into what your body and mind wants or needs. Stay in tune with you and give yourself the outlets needed, this may be talking to a trusted person professionally or personally or taking the time to journal your thoughts.

Hey… it’s OK – To set boundaries with people who are draining on your health – and yes, this includes family. This could mean capping the amount of time you engage with others, having no – go areas of conversation and being firm with what you are prepared to put up with.

Hey…it’s OK – To want to spend Christmas on your own. It does not make you miserable or antisocial. As long as you are safe and comfortable in your own company.

Hey… it’s OK – To feel lonely at Christmas. You can be in a crowded room but still feel lonely. Loneliness is the yearning for deep, meaningful connection, which many of us may feel deprived of – even when surrounded by loved ones. If loneliness feels like it’s affecting your health then please seek professional support from your GP, they can assist in signposting you to organisations, like us at PSS, that can get you connected with your community.

Hey…it’s OK – To show yourself some self-care. We can be so very critical and condemning to ourselves when feeling low, when what we really need is to give ourselves a big, reassuring hug. A long hot shower, a frothy hot chocolate, a wintery walk or a comfort telly marathon, all these things are important to give us those little joys day by day.

Hey…it’s OK – To not be OK. Give yourself that space and grace to reflect on what’s going on for you. At Christmas many memories and worries can arise so allow yourself to process what you’re going through.

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