It is a well-known fact that Christmas time for adults is very different. Sure, most of us can still remember magical winter holidays from our childhood. As grown-ups, however, the winter holidays can quickly turn sour. Mixed emotions, frustrations and old grudges can wreak havoc this time of the year, especially if you have to spend time with your family. Luckily, we have prepared a short guide on how to survive the Christmas holidays this year.
Check out the following tips we have prepared for you on how to keep your cool and have a nice time without any drama!
How To Survive The Christmas Holidays: A Short Guide
It’s best to avoid changes this time
Sure, we love to make New Year resolutions. We also love to think about the numerous ways we will change ourselves or our life, for the better. However, during this time, it’s best to leave the changes for January.
Generally, even the slightest change in our routines can increase the stress we’re already feeling. So, instead of doing new things all of a sudden, your best bet is to keep your routine intact. Exercise at the same time and stick to your regular diet. This should keep thins in check.
Moderation is the keyword
We like to go all out during the winter holidays. However, if you really want to survive the Christmas holidays, you will want to watch yourself. Sure, we love to put on our best clothes, most expensive perfume and take out that really expensive wine. We even cook all sorts of delicious meals and cakes.
However, the Christmas holiday is also the time many people get digestive issues due to overeating foods high in fat and sugar. So, do enjoy the Christmas feast, but know when to stop as well!
Let go of the past
If you were lucky enough to have magical Christmases as a child, you will surely know how bleak and unmagical the holiday actually is, as an adult. The world around us simply loses its magic as we grow up. For this reason, the worst thing you can do is hold on to an idealized version of what this holiday is supposed to be, or feel like.
Your best bet against disappointment is to be realistic and objective. There is no such thing as a perfect Christmas. Instead of comparing your adult Christmas to your childhood ones, try to live in the moment. There is magic to be found in being an adult during Christmas.
Avoid being alone, if you don’t want to be
If, for some reason, you end up all by yourself for the holidays, your best bet against feeling bad about it is to surround yourself with people. Try to volunteer somewhere, like a soup kitchen.
What you want to do is find people whom you can interact in a meaningful way. Being alone for Christmas can be devastating for most people.
Also, don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Whether you attempted to take on more than you can handle, or whether you suffer from depression, do reach out. There is help out there!
Remember who you are around people from your past
One of the most frustrating things about being an adult is regression. Contextual regression, to be more precise. There’s simply something weird that happens to us when we’re around old friends or family members. We become who we used to be, and not who we are.
This can very quickly pull us into toxic relational patterns that can escalate into arguments and drama. If you realize this is happening, try to walk away from the situation for a few minutes in order to cool down.
At this point, it is important to understand that while others encourage you through their behavior to play the same role, you don’t have to do it. You can stay true to your current self and break the pattern.
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself
The winter blues are a real thing. The reason behind them varies from person to person, but they are real. We are taught from an early age to be kind to other people, especially this season. What they don’t teach us is that we need to be kind to ourselves as well.
Don’t beat yourself up if you’re feeling blue. Instead, pamper yourself. Do what makes you feel good. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, take a hot bath, watch some silly movie. Do whatever it takes to lift your spirits. It’s your holiday as well, after all!
Your best bet is to avoid putting pressure on yourself to be happy. Don’t overanalyze yourself. Also, don’t feel guilty if you aren’t happy. Your feelings are legit, no matter what they are.
Learn how to say ‘no’
Somehow, it seems like saying ‘no’ to someone is a lot harder during the Christmas holidays. It shouldn’t be. Allow yourself the freedom to say ‘no’. It’s OK to refuse something when you’re asked to do it. It’s also OK to refuse invitations. Since it’s your holiday as well, it is your right to accept or refuse things as well. After all, you have the right to enjoy your Christmas the way you want it.
As you can see, there is more than one way to survive the Christmas holidays. For adults, this time of the year can turn sour really easily. Hopefully, our short guide will help you not only survive the holidays but also enjoy them as well! Good luck and Happy Holidays!