The Holidays

We all know that when the weather gets colder, stress is coming. Christmas gifts, Christmas parties, Christmas decorations, just saying it makes me anxious. Not to mention the snow, and the matter of dressing warm and having proper tires on your car. Recognize what these all have in common? Yes, a great financial loss is included with the holidays, but the mental stress that comes along with it is what I think about when people mention these things. Mostly, being able to afford it is what worries me, which takes a toll on one’s mental health greatly. However, the social aspect of these events is what makes the holidays a dread and really sucks the fun out of what used to be such magic. Unfortunately, Christmas brings a great sadness for many, including myself. Now that I live on my own, I won’t be seeing my family this year for Christmas like I always do. Now, I have to make Christmas my own. That’s what brings me to light in such a dark feeling, knowing I can keep the beauty of the holidays in my family. People often use the holidays as an excuse to bring themselves down into a hole so deep that they think they can’t climb out of it. My advice; just go back to the basics. Go to the holiday markets. Go to the Christmas shows, the events, or ice skating. I always find myself feeling the best when I go to the outdoor rinks in the winter because when I was a kid, I was always at hockey during Christmas. When I have a family of my own, I’ll make it a tradition to go skating. As you get older, you have to realize that once you have your own Christmas, you have to keep the magic alive yourself. Instead of drowning in sorrow, remind yourself that the holidays are still, just days. All you have to do is get through them, the same way you do as all the rest.