Pressure-Cooked Christmas No More

“Oh, by golly what a holly, jolly Christmas this” … September? Did y’all notice it came earlier this year? The ever-early holiday push that rolls out across the U.S. before the fall equinox has even had its moment.

Retailers revamp their featured seasonal displays at the front of the store to showcase singing Santas, stockings, artifcial garland, and pine trees, ornaments, snow globes, candy canes—you name it!

Many of us eagerly embrace early holiday celebrations and decorations, dashing to the nearest shop to stock up on this year’s latest trends with a pumpkin spice latte in hand.

But, by the time Thanksgiving is said and done, many seem already burnt out on holiday radio replays and red, white, and green decor displays. It’s an unfortunate side effect, this early onset holiday fatigue, one I experience myself. And still, we have the entire month of December left to face.

A 2023 report from the American Psychology Association showed that 9 in 10 U.S. adults cited concerns such as finances, missing loved ones, and anticipated family conflict as holiday stressors. The same report stated that 43 percent experience a lack of holiday joy due to those stressors, and 36 percent said the holidays feel like a competition.

And the stressors aren’t exclusive to those who celebrate Christmas.

The American Psychology Association study also found that 1 in 5 U.S. adults who celebrate traditionally Jewish or other non-Christian holidays experience stress due to a lack of representation and inclusion in the American holiday-season culture.

The month of December should be a joyous, festive time. So, what’s driving us to the point of exhaustion?

I say it’s the pressure.

We feel pressured to decorate from floor to ceiling, lawn to rooftop. We feel pressured to find the perfect presents for all. We feel pressured to attend events and gatherings while dressed to the nines. We feel pressured to assimilate to American holiday norms.

But this pressure is hardly one derived from our peers. No, the bright and cheery Cindy Lou Whos of our lives certainly aren’t to blame for our Christmas fatigue.

I see the pressure dating back to September, stemming from the very commercial concept of Christmas we’re presented with before we’ve even felt a chill in the air or gone trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, commercial Christmas is unavoidable and not likely to dissipate in the years to come.

Still, there are a few ways we can maintain both our sanity and our holiday cheer through the new year. The American Psychiatric Association offers tips to help stave off holiday fatigue, including mindful meditation, saying no to plans that exceed your bandwidth, making time for breaks, and avoiding overspending.

What it really comes down to is setting boundaries, both with yourself and with friends and family. You don’t have to have the best decorated house on the block. You don’t have to procure the most expensive gift. And you don’t have to attend every holiday event hosted in and around your community.

This year, in the wake of my early onset holiday fatigue, I’m making a list of priorities as I begin to plan my month of festivities. Even if you’re not yet on the brink of burnout, I suggest you try the same. It could make a world of difference in your ability to enjoy the season and the new year.

List out everything you anticipate for the month ahead. Take a moment to do the math for time and expenses. Assess your schedule and finances to ensure your list is achievable. Highlight a few list items as high priority and a few you can potentially drop in case of fatigue or changes in budget.

With a few boundaries and planning, we’re all sure to have a holly, jolly holiday season this year.

Be merry,

PAIGE AIGRET, EDITOR

paigret@emeraldcoastmagazine.com