The run up to Christmas can be a strange one. On the one side, there are those who seem to be counting down the days from last Christmas and plan their whole year around the festive season.
Others dread it. It’s understandable why some people don’t like this time of year, whether it’s because they’re alone, it’s their first Christmas without a partner or family member, or they’re feeling the financial pressure society has put on us with the over-commercialization of Christmas.
However, for others there may not be any major or emotional reasons, but just a preference for other times of the year when the weather is better, and maybe if you’re an introvert, you don’t particularly enjoy the fact that you constantly have to come with excuses to not attend the many Christmas parties going on.
Whatever your reasons, no one should be judging you, and it’s probably good to know you’re definitely not alone.
So, if you’re looking for some coping strategies during the festive season, then hopefully these tips will help you make it through another one without feeling like you’re going crazy or needing to obsessively mark your calendar down every day until Spring.
Explore different foods
Whilst everyone you know is piling up plates of turkey and stuffing and washing it down with rich treats and mulled wine, you may want to get out into your town and city and see what kinds of new foods you can find that have nothing to do with Christmas.
Whether you want to explore new restaurants or cook at home, this can be a fun and healthy way to help yourself cope if you’re not overly fond of Christmas.
Volunteer
Christmas is a really tough time for a lot of people – especially those less fortunate, so if you don’t like participating in the commercial aspects or simply prefer to avoid it, then doing something that helps others will not only make a difference in their lives, but will help you feel better, too.
Homeless shelters, food banks, soup kitchens and even care homes and hospitals are perfect places to offer your time during the Christmas season. You’ll always looking for volunteers, and you’ll also get to meet some really amazing people and develop a new perspective on life.
Book a trip
If you find yourself really struggling with the cold weather or just Christmas overall, then it’s the perfect time to book yourself some winter sun.
Whether you’re interested in checking out some stunning villas in Canggu a bit further afield, or prefer somewhere like the Canary Islands a bit closer to home, winter sun holidays are certainly offered in abundance, so you’ll definitely find something that suits you.
Practice self-care
Winter doesn’t last forever, and Christmas certainly doesn’t, so being kind to yourself is important if you’re feeling depressed or anxious during this season. Getting plenty of sleep, eating right, and going to the gym or spa will make a difference in how you feel.
