No matter where we are, who we are, or what culture or family we come from, we all have traditions. This post is going to address two things, traditions and what they mean for us and also about how times like Christmas can be difficult for some people.
I only realised last year that Irish people have a lot of traditions. What got me thinking about traditions was when I started to make plum pudding for the upcoming Christmas holidays. Generally, I make the cake and my mum makes the pudding, but due to restrictions in traveling this year, we both decided to do what the other one usually does. Also with plum puddings (I am not sure if this is just in my house or not) but everyone takes a turn at stirring the mixture and makes 3 wishes. My mum would wait until we all had our turn before she would cook them.
Traditions are more than this and the hallmark idea that we have of it. Traditions are part of our cultures, of our family or our country, and it is part of our values and beliefs. They can be both; something to look forward to and also something to dread, for whatever reason.
You may wonder why I have linked traditions and holiday blues together and also how traditions link with my overarching theme of well-being. Traditions can be seen as something to believe in, something to hold on to; they can give us hope and unity in times when we need it the most. When it comes to holiday blues and particularly during these challenging times where we have lost hope or faith about when things will be normal again, and traditions that we may be used to are now being challenged.
The holiday season is going to be very different for most people this year. Traditions are going to change and the meaning of Christmas, for some, will mean even more. That being said, apart from all the eating, presents and general good spirits at Christmas, it can be a difficult time for some people. It is a time that we think about loved ones that we have lost and it can be very lonely for some people. On top of that, there is also a Seasonal Depression that affects people in the winter months mostly, which can be for many reasons, but I will save that for another post.
You can have good emotional intelligence and be mentally okay, but that does not mean the holidays may not be difficult for you for whatever reason. Below are some tips to help you through the holidays. They are not a quick fix and some may not be possible, but it might help support you through this time.
- Limit alcohol – Goes without saying that everything is better with a little less alcohol
- Sleep effectively – It is easy when we are off from work to stay up late and get up later. Try to keep a similar routine to what you are used to
- Learn to say “no” – Make time for yourself and evaluate what is important to you
- Be open to new traditions – If you are away from family this year, making new traditions with new people may be more beneficial than you think
- Get support when needed – Especially if you are mourning a loss, this can even simply be the loss of what you had thought this year would be, it is important and okay to reach out for help
- Spend time with your loved ones – We are lucky, in a way, that it is 2020 when our world stopped, a time where most people have smartphones and an internet connection. Have parties and celebrate occasions via Zoom. We do not have to be physically together to enjoy each other’s company and spend time together.
- Exercise – It is a good all-rounder to help you stay active and not dwell on what you are missing
- Do something fun or different– It can be difficult to be alone. Especially during the holidays, you are reminded of this even more. But try something you have not done before or something that you know will bring you joy
- Volunteer – There are others that are struggling in different ways to us. Volunteering can help you support others, which can also help you
- Avoid overeating – I am not very good at this one, having the thoughts that calories do not count for two weeks! But I know I will regret it in January. So, do your best and I will as well, to keep busy and not overeat
- Spend time with kids or animals – I do not think I need to explain why, but the magic of Christmas is in children and this can give you energy
- Above all do not isolate – make plans with others around you, they might feel the same as you. So, take a step and make plans.
- Be realistic of your expectations – from you and others over the holiday time
- Let yourself feel – Holidays are an emotional time, which is okay. It is when they get too much to cope with that it is important to seek help
There are many other things that you can do. This is just to get you thinking. I do hope your holidays are filled with whatever brings you happiness and joy.
