By Amy Moore, Content Team contributor
Christmas – the most wonderful time of the year! Well, that’s what the songs tend to say, and the films, and every advert on television. Every single year, the expectations for Christmas seem to get higher and higher; more food, more drink, more presents. As I have grown older, I have come to understand that oftentimes the festive season can be seen through rose-tinted glasses. Personally, the pressure and expectations that accompany Christmas have always been met with increased anxiety for me. I seem to spend a huge amount of time worrying about how I should enjoy everything that accompanies the holiday season, so I end up not enjoying it as much as I should because I am so anxious. It is a vicious cycle, and one which I try and fight to get out of every single year.
Sometimes, simply the thought of Christmas can be anxiety-inducing, especially if you are hosting or if you have so much to buy that you feel like you’re running out of both time and money. And, it seems as though there is constantly something going on, whether it is the office Christmas party or the hundreds of cards that need to be written and gifts that need to be wrapped. All of this is a natural feeding ground for anxiety, and it is completely normal to be anxious about these things. However, when the stress starts to become overwhelming and takes the joy away from something that should be fun, it can be very hard to pull yourself out of it. Anxiety can look different for different people, and so whilst I can only speak from my own experience, I hope that it has some resonance for others.
From around mid-November, you can just tell that the Christmas season is beginning. In particular, the shops get busier. I have never been great at coping with crowds, as I am always looking for a way out, which can sometimes feel impossible when there are hordes of people down every aisle of every shop. It has taken me a long time to accept that I am never actually trapped anywhere – there is always a way out. Whether it be in the middle of a busy shop or sat in a traffic jam in the car park, you are in control, and you will be okay. Trust yourself to know what works for you. For example, I know that when I get overheated, I am more likely to panic. So, now, I carry a small hand-held fan with me, which just fits into my bag and allows me to take back control over an incoming panic attack. It is especially useful in the winter, when you’re in a huge winter coat because it’s cold outside, but the supermarkets are always boiling because of the huge number of people who have decided to take on their Christmas shopping.
This year, I branched out and visited a Christmas market in Belgium. Before going, I had spent weeks scrolling through videos on TikTok to see just how busy these Christmas markets get, and I was apprehensive about going. I had to weigh up the pros and cons, and I decided that there were so many elements of a Christmas market that I loved (hot chocolate, cute trinkets, waffles) and only one element that I hated (crowds), and so I had to go. And I am so glad that I did. Anxiety has a horrible way of making you expect the worst-case scenario. It plays out in your head so many times that sometimes it can feel real before it has even happened. However, I am here to tell you not to listen too intently to that little voice in your head because it will stop you from doing things you enjoy. I had the best time, and it was nowhere near as bad as I had imagined it to be in my head.
It is so important to be where your feet are. Be present. Try not to think about anything other than where you are now. The thought of the crowds and the general stress of the season will only steal your joy. Breathe in, breathe out, and put one foot in front of the other. Christmas can still be the most wonderful time of the year.
