Christmas Cheer And Lack Thereof (mh-)
So last night I had the by-now annual tradition of falling into a pitch black mood, thanks to the way things work for me around this time of year.
There's a lot that is difficult about this time of year; the cold, the terrible roads, the sun setting at 4:20 in the afternoon. But what gives it that extra little kick is the Christmas season, where I'm told I need to get into the Christmas spirit. I need to be jolly and joyous.
And what inevitable happens is, I can't. I fall short. And when that happens, I feel like I have failed, that either I have failed to let the spirit of Christmas into myself, or the Christmas spirit took one look at me and gave up. And so, failing to meet the social pressure (and it IS pressure) to be in a joyful mood leaves me feeling like a failure, which inevitably turns a bad mood worse.
I'm better now. I'm no danger to myself and others. But this season is always hard.
I don't wish any ill will on people who are big on the Christmas spirit (though I wish they'd keep it in the month of December and honor the Halloweentown Accords.) But I wish there was a little more social acknowledgement of how the pressure to be happy can lead to people feeling worse.
Christmas Cheer And Lack Thereof (mh-)
@SkunkyLass sending you hugs and hopes that it passes quickly.
Christmas Cheer And Lack Thereof (mh-)
@SkunkyLass sending you non-seasonal just-because no-expectation internet good vibes.
Christmas Cheer And Lack Thereof (mh-)
I'm sending you all the hugs and warmth I can. I know that there's a ton of pressure to be "Jolly" or whatever, and a ton of reverence for tradition and expectations thereof... It's rough. I can absolutely understand where you're coming from (I was admonished for not having a tree out until yesterday, believe it or not).
I'm glad you're my friend, and I'm very thankful for everything you've done for me. Holidays aside completely, I wish all the best for you. I hope you find some warmth <3
re: Christmas Cheer And Lack Thereof (mh-)
TO BE CLEAR this is general background emotional sensation. I appreciate it when people wish me a cheerful holiday! It's more the cultural expectation that I have to have one or else I have failed.