Why Do I Dread The Holidays?
Why Dreading the Holidays is Normal
Big box stores start preparing and setting out decorations in September once the kiddos are back in school. Every year I say “Already?”
The hustle and bustle and pressures of the holidays aren’t for everyone and that’s okay.
The holiday season can bring up a lot for people and it may not be the happiest time of the year. This is normal and it’s okay.
In this blog, I’m sharing with you 6 reasons why you may be dreading the holiday season.
I am an online therapist in Wilmington, NC, and provide therapy for anxious hard-working women in North Carolina and Maryland. Most often women I work with experience high-functioning anxiety and other issues including perfectionism and burnout.
I offer online therapy to residents of North Carolina and Maryland.
To get started, click the button below and reserve your free 15-minute phone consultation on the date and time of your choice.
Keep reading to learn 6 reasons why you may be dreading the holiday season.
6 Reasons You May Dread the Holidays
The holiday season isn’t always the easiest time of the year. Listed below are 6 reasons why you might dread the holidays and why it is normal.
Reason #1 for Holiday Dread - Increased stress
Starting in October through early January it is almost nonstop with holidays. This time of the year can be especially busy and increase stress if you have children, trying to coordinate family get-togethers or year-end work deadlines.
Experiencing an increase in stress can send your body and mental well-being into overload. When there is an increase in stress it can lead to physical health issues and you become more susceptible to experiencing depression and anxiety.
Going into the holidays try getting a stress management plan in action.
Reason #2 for Holiday Dread - Brings up old stuff
Holiday time is easily associated with family, joy, and happy times. For some folks, this may not be the case. If your past holiday experiences or family memories aren’t the happiest, this time of year might be really difficult for you.
Lean on your support system when you need and be sure to treat yourself kindly and with compassion during this time.
Reason #3 for Holiday Dread - Increased anxiety
If you find yourself a naturally anxious person, you may experience some increased anxiety during the holidays.
This makes total sense. There is typically an increase in activities, planning, organizing, and running around. It’s overwhelming and exhausting. Just know you may want to give yourself some extra self-care and downtime during the holiday season.
Reason #4 for Holiday Dread - Experiencing burnout
You’re already exhausted and dread adding another thing to your plate.
I get it.
Your work is working on your last nerve and you dream about leaving your toxic work environment every day. Now instead of coming home and relaxing after work your evening and weekends are going to be filled with get-togethers, socializing, and traveling.
When you recognize you are already at the stage of burnout, you may not want to add another thing to your plate.
Learn some helpful tips to overcome burnout.
Reason #5 for Holiday Dread - Wanting perfection
Much like with anxiety and stress, wanting things to be perfect can keep you from really enjoying the holiday season. The holidays are a lot of work and you may go above and beyond for everyone.
Fellow therapist, Mackenzie Lester from Follow Your Arrow Counseling says “Be mindful of the season. Why are you buying the matching PJs? Why are you baking the cookies? Because it's expected? The magazines said? No way! Do it so you can decorate WITH your kiddos. Take silly pictures of icing on noses. Laugh. You're creating memories, not a picture-perfect scene for a magazine. This is your life, not a photo shoot.”
Reason #6 for Holiday Dread - Grief and loss
Each year changes happen and things rarely stay the same. Recognizing that feelings of grief and loss don’t only happen when someone we care about passes away but can occur when relationships end, a job is lost creating financial strain, your adult children spend the holiday with their partner’s family or a change in holiday tradition.
Being a busy woman often doesn’t leave you much time or energy in the holiday season. Check out some helpful tips for busy women to get through the holiday season.
Start Anxiety Therapy in Wilmington, NC at Calm Waters Counseling
The holidays can be difficult for some and not everyone can find joy or the holiday spirit.
Recognizing why you may be experiencing thoughts and feelings you do can be helpful when working through them. Also recognizing that you aren’t alone and others feel similarly to you is important.
I use acceptance and commitment therapy for anxiety treatment.
Get started in therapy at Calm Waters Counseling by following these 4 simple steps:
Click the button below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation
Complete the brief questionnaire sent to your email before the consultation
Meet with your anxiety therapist
Start enjoying your holidays more
Therapy for High Achievers in Wilmington, NC at Calm Waters Counseling
Busy hard-working women don’t always make time for themselves but therapy is important and often the holidays can place emphasis on why therapy could be helpful for you.
Get to know more about me and my Wilmington, NC online therapy practice.
Check out all therapy services offered at Calm Waters Counseling, listed below:
Anxiety counseling in Wilmington, NC
Treatment for Perfectionism in Maryland
Burnout Counseling in Wilmington, NC
Therapy for Imposter Syndrome in Wilmington, NC
Online Anxiety Therapy in Maryland
Online therapy can be a helpful way to keep up with your therapy appointments during the busy holiday time.
Online therapy is an effective way to receive therapy and online therapy can help bring anxiety relief.
Learn how online acceptance and commitment therapy for anxiety works.
Click the links below to learn about online therapy where you live
online therapy for anxiety in North Carolina
online anxiety therapy in Maryland
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Written by: Laura Rippeon, LCSW, LCSW-C
Updated 3/18/23