There is often the expected feeling of collective festive cheer and joyfulness in December that is perpetuated by feel-good Christmas movies, Christmas carols playing at every store you visit, and the Christmas lights and window displays that appear as early as November (gasp!). And with what we have all been through in 2020, it seems that the festive feeling is out with a renewed vengeance, as if making up for months of lost time.
Whilst some people would welcome this experience, what is often overlooked are the people for whom Christmas can be a challenging and lonely time. In particular, after a year that had brought so many complexities and uncertainties, it is important that we acknowledge people who have lost or are unable to see loved ones, or who are going through family tensions.
Rhonda Andrews, Senior Psychologist and Managing Director of Barrington Centre, shares her advice on what you can do if you’re feeling less-than-cheerful this season: “We need to let people know that it is ok to feel this way, even if the rest of the community/country/world appear to revel in the joyous mood of the holidays. It is ok to have sadness and grief. However, it is also important to make the effort to connect with at least one other person to ‘check in’ and share in their day. Having someone to speak and connect with can make a positive impact on how someone is feeling.”
Rhonda adds, “look for small things that you can do to start creating a positive change in 2021. It doesn’t have to be anything big or immediately impactful, but it will give you a reason to look forward to the new year.”
Lastly, it is important that we acknowledge that just as we are all different people, so too are our experiences and emotions, and just because you are not feeling the cheer this year (or any year, for that matter), does not make your feelings less valid or less relevant.