Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones and giving to others; however, by the time the holidays roll around, everyone wants “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” to stop playing on the radio and not to see another Christmas tree for three years, since they have been in stores since the Fourth of July. With the pressure of tinsel fatigue and getting the perfect gift, the holiday season is tarnished for many.
Gift-giving is a great way to show others they are cared for, and it brings some holiday cheer into their lives. With financial struggles and pressure from others to buy more expensive and outlandish gifts, gift-giving becomes stressful and something one may feel required to do.
According to Mark Huffman, a reporter for Consumer Affairs, the price of gifts has gone up 5.4%, almost double the price increase from last year. Along with expensive gifts, food and parties can take a large sum of money out of paychecks. After gifts, most people spend the most money on food, decorations and beverages. The average American spends $997 each Christmas, as stated by Demand Sage’s Naveen Kumar.
Excessive spending can lead to depression and stress when the bill arrives. Extra stress during the holidays may lead to bad stress management mechanisms. Excessive eating and drinking is a common way to deal with stress, especially when the fridge is already packed with goods. It is important to keep track of spending during the holidays and participate in low-budget activities.
“For my friends, I like to do a Secret Santa, and we put a price limit on it so that everyone gets something and we don’t spend too much money on each other,” Jaiden Ingold (10) said.
Christmas fatigue is common for many people, and it can be made worse by seasonal burnout. During winter, lower exposure to sunlight and decreased immunity can leave people feeling sluggish and tired. This may cause heightened feelings of depression, anxiousness and restlessness. Around Christmas, seasonal mental health may be made worse by excessive social interaction and tiredness from too much activity.
“One way I calm down from holiday stress is by baking! I love baking and making treats for all my friends and family,” Sophia Figas (9) said.
During the holidays, many visit family, and while this is usually viewed as something positive, it can have consequences. Having large amounts of people in a household can be tiring on its own, but family fights are something that can ruin the holidays. Fighting can increase feelings of sadness and loneliness. This, coupled with other mental health conditions during the holidays, can result in health taking a turn for the worst when Christmas comes around.
“I deal with stress throughout the holidays by having little self-care moments and regrounding myself. I also sit in my room and do something distracting, such as practicing my instruments or singing some songs,” Phoebe Smith (11) said.
The holidays can be plagued by gifting pressure, excessive spending, seasonal burnout and too much family; however, it is important to take time to relax and reflect over this holiday season.