Christmas is the Worst.

Summary

The article discusses the personal and emotional challenges faced by individuals during the Christmas season, highlighting themes of loneliness, grief, financial strain, and societal pressures.

Abstract

The author of the article expresses a personal preference for working during the Christmas holidays to avoid the emotional difficulties associated with the season. These include memories of family tragedy, the pain of loss felt more acutely during family gatherings, and the societal expectation to be joyful and participate in festivities. The article acknowledges that for many, the holiday season exacerbates feelings of isolation, financial stress due to the pressure to host and give gifts, family tensions, and the burden of hosting events without support. It also criticizes the societal pressure to present a perfect life on social media, which can intensify feelings of inadequacy. The author's message is one of solidarity with those who struggle during the holidays, emphasizing the importance of kindness and the presence of loved ones over material gifts.

Opinions

The author prefers to work during the holidays to avoid drama and uncomfortable situations.
Christmas can be particularly difficult for those who have experienced loss, as it highlights the absence of loved ones.
Financial difficulties are magnified during the holidays due to the expectation to host and give presents.
The holiday season can intensify feelings of loneliness for those who are estranged from their families or have difficult family dynamics.
The pressure to resolve personal issues during the holidays can lead to disappointment.
Hosting holiday events can be stressful and unenjoyable when not receiving help or appreciation from guests.
The portrayal of perfect holidays on social media can make individuals feel less worthy or inadequate.
The author encourages those who are struggling to remember that they are not alone and advocates for kindness and genuine connection during the holiday season.

Loneliness, Grief, Financial Strain... It’s not all fun and games.

People are starting to ask again what I will be doing for Christmas and New Years.

In all honesty, I’d love to work. Good money and no drama.

Please don’t invite me. I feel like I can’t say no. I will just feel uncomfortable all day.

Let’s be real. Yes, it’s amazing for all of you to spend time with family and friends, be happy, and overeat.

Growing up, we were a pretend-to-be happy family most of the time. We would probably do something for Christmas, but nothing big, nothing too special. I believe so, so my sister and I could answer all the typical holiday questions without people getting suspicious.

One of my grandpa’s hung himself on Christmas Eve. The other one got hit by a car and died on the spot, on Christmas day, quite a few years after that. As a kid, I wasn’t really aware of all this, but it may have been one of the reasons both my parents weren’t too fond of the holiday.

Over the years and after experiencing a lot of loss, I have realized that these are some of the worst days for a lot of people. So many people are getting together with friends and family, obviously. But this makes it so blatantly clear who (or what) is missing from your life. In times like these, it hurts a little extra.

On a normal day when I walk the dogs, go to the gym, and work, it doesn’t really face me too much. But at that moment, you look around the table, and there is an empty chair and a big smile missing. It’s hard. A very close friend of mine passed away only a few years ago, and I already know I will get his mom on the line, trying to recall some happy times as she is missing him so much more at the dinner table now.

But there’s so much more:

If you’re struggling financially and are being “forced” to host a dinner or to buy everyone presents... or you would love to buy your kids beautiful presents but can't afford to buy them.

If you’re alone and have to watch everyone else, spend time together. When you are the black sheep of the family and get judged, lectured, etc. instead of having a good time.

If you’re in a bad spot with your partner, parents, or kids and hoping this time will solve all your problems, you might be disappointed.

If you’re the one who has to host everyone, there are people who won’t appreciate your home, your cooking efforts, or your hospitality. Making it stressful and not enjoyable at all, as you may not be receiving any help from anyone.

Just for everyone, seeing all the social media posts wherein people pretend to have the most perfect decorations, food, parties, the perfect life really, and making you feel less worthy

I just hope everyone can be kind and enjoy each other’s presence, NOT presents, if you’re one of the lucky ones to be surrounded by loved ones.

And to everyone else: you may feel alone, but believe me, you’re not. I’m with you.

(Just a Santa puppyto hopefully put a smile on your face.)