It’s that time of year again—the joyous holiday season, yet it feels more like a breeding ground for anxiety. I once thought organizing birthday parties was stressful. I believed planning Thanksgiving dinner had its challenges. I even thought spring cleaning was a task of epic proportions. I was mistaken on all accounts. The holiday season, which kicks off right after Halloween and extends until the day after New Year’s, envelops me in a constant state of unease. This year, forget about a cheerful Christmas; I’ll be too busy sobbing in the corner.
So, why does the holiday season trigger such a wave of anxiety? Here are a few reasons that contribute to my annual stress:
1. Who Receives Holiday Cards?
First, I need to order the cards. Should I opt for a generic “Happy Holidays” card to please everyone, including atheists, agnostics, and those of different faiths? But then, what about the traditionalists who might accuse me of undermining Christmas? It’s a lose-lose situation. Next, I have to decide who makes the cut for a card. If I sent one last year but skip them this time, will they feel hurt and neglected? This thought alone sends my anxiety soaring. Plus, there’s the constant struggle of misplacing addresses—why can’t I just keep track of them? Maybe I should create a Google doc for this madness.
2. Who Gets Gifts?
Then there’s the question of gift-giving. Do I need to buy something for my boss? Is that too personal? And what about the mailman or the Amazon delivery person—is it the same person every time? My shopping list spirals out of control, and before I know it, I’m at the store buying random items like off-brand Yeti cups filled with mints. My partner thinks I’m losing it.
3. Am I Overdoing It for the Kids?
Holiday worry creeps in when I think about how much to spend on each child. If I buy one kid a big LEGO set, does that mean I need to find something equally impressive for the others? The math gets ridiculous, and managing expectations feels impossible.
4. Am I Buying Too Little?
We promised to stick to the “something to read, something to wear, something to play with, and something else” rule. But what if my kids think that’s not enough? Experiences are great, but how do you wrap a trip to the aquarium? Six-year-olds want tangible gifts, not just memories.
5. But We Agreed No Gifts!
When my partner, mother, or best friend insists we’re not exchanging gifts, I know deep down someone is going to break that promise. The thought of being the only one without a present makes my heart race. It’s a catch-22 that leaves me hyperventilating just thinking about it.
6. Travel Anxiety
Traveling to see relatives adds another layer of stress. They live far away, and getting there involves navigating construction zones and terrible traffic while managing three restless kids. Plus, I feel the need to clean the house before we leave (a point my husband seems to overlook).
7. Family Gatherings
Then, there’s the pressure of family interactions. One relative has very different political beliefs and isn’t shy about sharing them, while another engages in behaviors I find unacceptable around my kids. Old family dynamics resurface, and I often retreat into my childhood roles. Can’t we just enjoy a quiet holiday at home instead?
8. The Burden of Expectations
Every year, I find myself trying to fulfill traditions that my mother-in-law or mom perfected, yet I feel completely unprepared. When a family member passes, suddenly I’m tasked with making their famous dish, even if no one else enjoys it. The pressure to create the perfect holiday experience is overwhelming.
9. How Much Should I Decorate?
Then comes the dilemma of holiday decorations. I know I need a tree and some festive touches, but where do I draw the line? I don’t want to go overboard and end up with a Christmas village on display, but I also don’t want to disappoint my kids or neighbors. The struggle to find the right balance is exhausting.
It’s not the most wonderful time of the year; it’s the most anxiety-inducing. From the hassle of mailing cards to the chaos of shopping and the pressure of family gatherings, holiday anxiety is real. Even mundane tasks like asking for addresses can feel monumental. I find myself apologizing profusely at the self-checkout when things don’t ring up correctly; the fear of offending someone with my holiday greetings is ever-present.
As for the Elf on the Shelf? Don’t even get me started. I think I’ll just hibernate until the holiday season wraps up.
For more insights on navigating holiday stress, check out our blog post here. And if you’re looking for authoritative resources on home insemination, Make a Mom offers valuable information, as does the CDC on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The holiday season can trigger significant anxiety due to various factors, including the pressure to send cards, manage gift-giving, and navigate family dynamics. From the stress of travel to the expectations of decorating, it’s a time that can feel overwhelming rather than joyful.