4 Reasons Why Many People Feel Sad in The Christmas Season and How to Counter It

“Christmas is not a season, it’s a feeling.” — Edna Ferber.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the most anticipated seasons by many people. A time that is synonymous with joy, parties, gifts, and memorable encounters.

A month where we begin to make plans for the next year, and we remember how we lived in the 12 months that are about to end.

But precisely, a lot of people feel extremely sad for all of the above, and some even fall into depression. Several elements contribute to increasing sadness and hopelessness in this last month, but there are also ways to counteract them.

Let’s see what they are.

Some symptoms that may occur.

According to “The Dogood Press Magazine,” some of these symptoms could be low mood, lack of energy, irritation, discomfort, disinterest in activities, stress, anxiety, and even sleep disorders.

Influential factors.

Many factors cause sadness, depression, and a feeling of emptiness at this time of year. But four of them encompass many elements that produce these unhealthy feelings.

• Loneliness.
• Unfinished objectives.
• Anxiety about the future.
• Social pressure.

The loneliness and family longing.

Thousands of people are far from their relatives at this time, or worse; they have relatives who passed away.

The fact that there is so much publicity in all the media and to see people united and celebrating makes that feeling of missing someone stronger.

Advice:

• Don’t predispose yourself. Usually, when we know that something is coming, we associate a past feeling with “that which is coming.” Avoid thinking that now it will be the same.
• Be positive. Technology has helped us a lot to shorten the distance. Suppose you are away from a loved one, coordinate video conferences, and digital meetings. I know it is not the same, but that can mitigate the feeling of being alone.
• Be glad about your memories. Be happy with those memories of those loved ones who are no longer alive. Remember that only what is not remembered dies.
• Surround yourself with friends. We often tend to isolate ourselves when we feel sad, but in this case, this will not help you since you will remember that your loved one is far away. Have fun with your friends and share anecdotes that you have lived with your family.

You didn’t meet your resolutions for the year.

At the beginning of each year, there is intense pressure to make New Year’s resolutions lists. And it is not that this is wrong; the problem is when we set too many goals or some unrealistic ones.

Advice:

• The lists are not mandatory. It is not a duty that you make a list. Yes, it is good that we always set goals in life, but some things come in due time, not when you want.
• Don’t be discouraged if you didn’t achieve your goals. There are thousands of factors that influence how and when one can achieve something. For example, many people had plans for 2021, but it turns out that we did not expect the pandemic to continue, so we simply had to postpone them.

I must clarify, I am not saying that you should not have commitment and willpower, but not everything is in your hands.

Anxiety about next year.

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength” — Corrie Ten Boom.

The human being is so hasty that he does not expect to finish the current year, and he is already anxious about what will happen in the next.

You may have goals for next year and fear that you cannot achieve them. Feeling anxious is normal, but the excessive worry is useless.

Advice:

• Live now! It is difficult to manage anxiety, but living in the moment is an excellent way to control it.
• Each day has its own challenge. Unfortunately, we are not in control of what will happen. If we can understand and place this in our subconscious, things will flow much better.
• Analyze previous years. Analyze previous years. Anxiety tends to make us think of dire future scenarios. Just remember those years past when you also allowed yourself to be distressed beforehand. Was any of those years as disastrous as you expected? Probably not.

So, relax and let the universe accompany you to flow with the following year.

Pressure for what the month generates

There is no doubt, one of the most rushed and stressful months is December: social events everywhere, the traffic is horrible, the malls are full of people looking for the perfect gift, and so on.

This pressure from all sides makes us feel suffocated instead of enjoying the season, managing to discourage us.

Advice:

• Please don’t take it so seriously. Yes, it is a demanding month, but take it easy. What if, slowly, you buy Christmas gifts a few months before? This will reduce your stress and financial burden.
• You don’t need to please everyone. At this time, everyone wants to get together (friends from work, family, friends from the neighborhood, etc.) but don’t try to please everyone.
• Prioritize and also think of yourself. In the end, you are the one who should feel good about yourself. Learn to say no.

Last thoughts

There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.” — Bill McKibben.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are seasons that scream happiness everywhere, but sadly not for everyone. Don’t let a season affect your mood.

If you can’t meet a friend, you can do it next month. If you didn’t spend time with your family, have a special event with them later.

Don’t let “specific moments” determine your creativity. You can always create magical moments.