There’s No Right Or Wrong Way To Spend Your Holidays

Summary

The author discusses the personal decision to spend the holidays in Switzerland to escape the commercialism and stress often associated with this time of year, advocating for a more intentional and joyful approach to the season.

Abstract

The author candidly admits to a dislike for the holidays due to their commercial nature and the stress they induce for many people, citing research that indicates a significant portion of the population feels lonely or stressed during this period. To find personal joy and peace, the author has chosen to celebrate the holidays in Switzerland, engaging in activities like chatting with locals, enjoying local cuisine, and playing in the snow—activities that align with their ideal way of spending time, regardless of location. The article emphasizes the importance of spending the holidays in a way that brings personal happiness, saying yes to joyful activities, and being considerate of those experiencing tough times. The author reflects on the diverse experiences of the holiday season, acknowledging that while it can be a time of warmth and joy for some, it can also be a period of stress, grief, and loneliness for others. The article concludes with

I decided to flee to Switzerland to escape social obligations

Photo of the author in Switzerland.

I’ll be honest: I don’t like the holidays (but I’m still trying to make the best out of it).

I hate the commercial aspect of it. It bugs me that ‘’this is the most wonderful time of the year’’ when research shows that:

• 23% of people feel more lonely;

• 62% of people feel ‘’somewhat stressed’’ or even ‘’very stressed’’;

• Only 10% of people feel no stress at all during the holidays.

Obviously, it’s not the most wonderful time of the year for everyone.

I’m on holiday right now, but an older lady here just broke her hip and ended up getting surgery for Christmas instead. An employee here opened up and shared that she’s feeling sad over her son being in Romania (while she’s in Switzerland). Some people love their holiday traditions. Others can’t wait to be over with it. This isn’t to say that Christmas is, by default, a hard and stressful time. But if it is like that for you, it’s completely normal to feel this way. It’s a weird time of the year because of all the extremes.

For some people, Christmas is all about warmth, gratitude, excitement, and joy (if this is you, I’m sincerely happy for you). Yet other people deal with stress, grief, and loneliness.

That’s why I wish we could all spend it more intentionally. That means saying yes to whatever brings you joy, no to what drains you, and being more considerate of people who are going through tough times now.

So what’s my version of Christmas like this year? Right now I’m in Switzerland: I chitchat with locals, spend too much money on overpriced coffee and snacks, and throw snowballs (not at people; I’m a kind person).

Sun and snow in Lötschental, Switzerland. Photo taken by author.

And when I think about it, it’s not all that different from how I’d ideally spend my time back home. Except for the snowballs. There’s just no snow at all in my country.

I might turn it into a new tradition where I just leave the presents for what it is and spend it elsewhere (or maybe me going on a trip is actually the biggest gift from me to me). Meeting new people, pretending I’m a local (even though my accent gives it right away that I’m not), trying out all the delicious local meals? Hell yes.

A local bakery in Switzerland. I love to spoil myself with Kaffee and Kuchen, aka coffee and cake. Photo taken by author.

If you feel stressed during the holidays, it might be time to evaluate how you spend it, what you want the holidays to mean to you, and keep your expectations realistic (you don’t have to do it all!).

I’m curious — how are you all spending your holidays? Let me know in the comments. :)