Written by Jade Attard
The word “Christmastime” often brings to mind a number of generally pleasing images. Brightly lit streets, a child’s eagerness to tear open wrapped presents, drinking that extra glass of mulled wine just because it’s the holidays. While these things are indeed anticipated by plenty of people globally (and for good reason), I think that many tend to lose sight of the fact that, Christmastime means different things for different people.
More often than not, it is the media that contributes to the inaccurate idea that this time of year should be solely restricted for happy thoughts and emotions. Classic movies, social media influencers, children’s books amongst others have all, for years, built up this indirect idea that you must be ready to handle festivities excitedly, and with a smile on your face. The holidays are a time to put aside your everyday stress and worries – it’s not fitting to be anything but cheerful. Indeed, this socially enforced jubilation can be hard to swallow if your situation doesn’t quite fit with the “jolly” holiday celebrations.
What do struggling single parent’s children feel when comparing their hand-knit Christmas sweater to their friends’ brand new iPads? In our contemporary commercialist society, the true meaning of Christmas may vary. Yes, many do take the opportunity to put others first, spend time with loved ones and practice gratitude this time of year. However, it’s hard to deny that the holiday season has not become a money-driven tradition, urging businesses to thrive and people to get lost in the midst of earning gifts. Christmas shouldn’t be just for the rich.
Additionally, the happiest time of the year may feel mostly overwhelming for people that live with a deep sense of suffering from loneliness in their life. Bereaving family members, isolated elders, single people suffocating from social stigmas hinting at their pitiful independence. Christmastime can often welcome damaging dwelling on unsatisfying social situations as instigated by society.
Let us try to free ourselves from any pointless and potentially harmful need to live up to any social expectation that doesn’t come naturally. Let us each determine on our own what it means to celebrate festivities in a way that is in harmony with our personal needs.
cover image: source