I can’t believe I saw my first Christmas tree today. Ok so it was a small one advertising a pub’s Christmas menu but there it sat for all to see. It often strikes me that Christmas can be one of the most difficult times of year. The air is thick with anticipation and expectation. “Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the day (and the night)!” We are supposed to be happy full of cheer, yet it puts more pressure on families and relationships than at almost any time of the year.
Resentments and frustrations build, perhaps one person feels that they are doing all the work to make the dinner and the day go well. Perhaps there is frustration at being forced to enjoy yourself when all you want to do it to sit and doze. Couples often argue about finance or money or the children or families, chores and so the list goes on.
You remember previous years where arguments seemed to blow up from nowhere and everyone was on edge. There was no change of having a happy Christmas so you had a merry one instead, but that only lead to more rows.
It is said that madness is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results, so perhaps this Christmas could be different. Perhaps you could change the way you react to the festive season, give yourself permission to do Christmas your way (even if that is to avoid it altogether). Although simplistic, perhaps it is the only way that you are going to get through it. Perhaps you should give yourself an early Christmas present of a few counselling sessions, either on your own or as a couple to prepare yourself emotionally for the onslaught.
I have no idea if you keep Christmas, but it is a difficult time of the year for those with families and for those without, for those surrounded by people and for those on their own. Counselling can help through insightful non-judgemental help to help you have the Christmas that you want.