Sometimes Christmas Sucks. And It’s OK…
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Originally published on December 16, 2019. Updated on December 3, 2022.
Life comes in seasons. Some years are wonderful with few worries and plenty of everything. Others are leaner, more troublesome, and just plain sad.
In the good years, the holidays are a lot of fun, but during the sad times, we may not enjoy Christmas all that much.
That’s OK.
There’s a lot of pressure put on us to put on a smile be “merry and bright” during the holidays. We’re magically supposed to be in a good mood on Christmas no matter what’s going on in our lives or around us. Yes, you should hide your pain and sorrow and smile through the tears for your kids. Of course, you don’t want to ruin Christmas for those around you.
But let’s face it, sometimes life sucks. When it happens around Christmas, it’s hard to put on a show of good cheer.
There’s nothing wrong with being sad around the holidays. If you’re recently lost a loved one and are facing your first Christmas without them, it’s perfectly normal and healthy to be sad. You miss them, and not being able to share such a wonderful time of the year with this special person makes it harder to feel joy and happiness. When something does put a smile on your face, you may even feel guilty.
Maybe you lost your job a few weeks ago and can’t give your kids the gifts they’ve been asking Santa for. Maybe a relationship fell apart and you’re still trying to figure out what your life looks like now. Lots of different things can happen that will take a lot of the joy out of Christmas. And that’s OK.
Despite the TV shows, movies, and Christmas stories paint, our troubles don’t magically go away come Christmas Eve. We are still grieving, broke, and feeling lost. And that’s OK. Life isn’t always perfect. It’s messy, complicated, sad, and sometimes just plain sucks – even on Christmas.
My best advice when you’re having a tough time during the holidays is this. Don’t feel pressured to put yourself in a good mood. Don’t expect to feel better all of sudden. Get through the holidays the best you can. Do what you need to do for the little ones, and then go and have a good cry. Be mad, be sad, or be angry. Feel what you need to feel to get through this hard period in life.
But also remember this. Things will look up. There are many happy days and happy Christmases ahead. Remember the good times and know in your heart that better times are yet to come.
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
10 Comments
the joyous living
well said. you’re absolutely right. many people have troubles with family around holidays with death and health. joy
jk
I agree, you can’t make yourself feel good. Having a good cry does help. But yes, you need to fake it for the kids. These days are what build up their memories.
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
I can so relate. Sometimes, the stress leaves me so exhausted that I turn on the crabby side of me. I know it is perfectly normal for tired moms to feel and act this way. I am still thankful though that I have been blessed to celebrate another Christmas with my family
Emman Damian
There are no perfect Christmas season and yes, it sucks sometimes. But what I really like about it is that it gives as an opportunity to give back and to be together with our family.
Sarah M
This is what called LIFE. There are ups and downs in it (without seeing any occasion) but the one who gets up and moves forward is the real hero.
Lily
What a responsible post. Not everyone is in the Christmas spirit and you can’t force them but hopefully people not dealing with the holiday seasons well can find something to perk up about.
Elizabeth O
That is a truly funny title for a serious subject. I laughed and yes, it is true that it can suck. The holidays are a time of joy for some and sadness for others. Compassion for self anf others will go a long way…
Quin Cl
I understand very well. Christmas can be a saddening event for some, for many reasons like gaining weight while getting broke. 🙂
But kidding aside, we can’t force ourselves to be happy (if we couldn’t), Christmas is not only for jovial moments but for understanding and respect as well.
Jen
I really like this. I totally agree that there is a lot of pressure to have the perfect holiday, when really, who cares?? Just make it as perfect “for you”
As you can and enjoy the little moments.
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