While Christmas can be the best time of the year with festivities and celebrations at almost every turn, it can also be the most difficult time of year. Just as good cheer can be amplified throughout the holiday season, so can those emotions that are associated with pressure and adversity. Whether this is because of temporary problems or long-term struggles, for many individuals Christmas can be a time of year that is endured more than celebrated.
Part of the reason for that is the timing of the holiday, with Christmas just a week from the New Year, is a natural time for us to take stock of our situation. Individuals looking for employment at this time of year will certainly feel the additional pressure. Employment struggles are daunting at any time, but the search for work over the holidays can be extra tough as many workplaces reduce hours or even take time off. The knowledge that it just takes a bit of patience can ring hollow when forced to wait for something so important.
People struggling with money also feel pressure, and often this travels hand in hand with employment challenges. The tradition of gift giving can be a cash crunch for the best budgeted among us. For those struggling with finances, it can be a hurdle that is difficult to overcome. Add to that the messaging of buy, buy that seems impossible to avoid, and it’s easy to see how financial stress can become all-consuming as Christmas approaches.
I have heard people bemoan the commercialization of Christmas my entire life, but we can’t take in any form of media these days without being bombarded with advertising and popular culture messages that are designed to coerce our behavior in a number of ways. While we can acknowledge the way this can be a burden on the cash-strapped, it can also be a powerful reminder of how lonely a person can be too.
We don’t have to look beyond the fairly uniform representation of how we should celebrate the holiday-with family and friends-to understand how many individuals can struggle at this time of year. Whether a person is depressed, perpetually lonely or simply distant from their friends and family, this season that is supposed to be joyous can be anything but.
I am not trying to say that we have to change how we celebrate Christmas or enjoy the holidays, but I do think it is important to remember those among us who are less fortunate. Much of what I have written about can be improved upon and I am motivated to do my best in my public role to work for better outcomes. That said, we can all be aware and show our compassion through the holidays towards those among us who could use a little help, company, or just understanding.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
