Alright, the holiday season is soon to be upon us, and some of us (ahem, me) couldn’t be more overjoyed! I love everything about this time of year — the cold weather, music, lights, traditions, and so much more. However, I know that some people, perhaps even most people, are not a huge fan of the holiday season, and understandably so. Well, I’m here to tell you that the holidays do not need to be filled with eye-rolling, sighing, and groaning. Here’s how you can turn a holiday you hate into a holiday that you love.
1. You can make up your own traditions!
A lot of people hate the traditions that are associate with holidays like listening to carols, decorating a tree, and gifting or receiving presents. But, who says you have to follow everyone else’s tradition when you can simply make your own? You must remember that you have the final say regarding how you want to spend your time! If you don’t want to listen to holiday music, then throw on some slow jams or whatever you’re into and enjoy yourself! If you don’t like the idea of decorating a tree, then don’t buy one! If you don’t like receiving or gifting presents, then start a tradition where everyone donates to a charity of their choice or volunteers their time to help someone else in need. You can make your own rules and have the perfect holiday for you.
2. Celebrate yourself if nothing else!
A lot of people hate the holiday season because they feel like they have nothing to celebrate. Whether you aren’t religious and don’t partake in Christmas or Hanukkah, or you’ve had a rough year and you aren’t in the mood to celebrate, you can always spend your time celebrating yourself! Spend your time celebrating the fact that you’re still here, and try to do things that make you feel good. You can spend the holidays reading, watching your favorite movies, and pampering yourself in every way. You can never have too much time to practice self-care! Now, what person wouldn’t want that?
3. Spend it with family, or spend it alone
With the holiday season comes a lot of grief, as this time of year makes us think of our loved ones that we’ve lost. It’s natural to miss them even more during this time, and it’s understandable that you would be too sad to celebrate anything. Trust me, I’ve been there. However, it’s very important that we honor them even more during this time of year, and you can do that in one of two ways. You can surround yourself with family and friends (virtually, of course) and relish in the fun memories that you all shared with your loved one. You may even learn new things or hear new stories about them that you didn’t know before. If you’d rather not be burdened with the obligation of spending time with a lot of family members and you’d much rather be alone, that’s okay too! You can spend time alone doing things that honor your loved one as a lone wolf, and that’s perfectly fine. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad or less than for wanting to be alone because there is no right or wrong way to honor someone — do what’s in your heart.
It sounds super easy, right? Well, that’s because it is! The common theme among all three of these suggestions is that you are your own boss and can do what you want. You can make this holiday season enjoyable for you because the only person you have to please is yourself! You don’t have to live up to everyone else’s traditions, celebrate something you don’t believe in, or mope around feeling sad. Do what you want to do, make yourself happy, and treat yourself to make this holiday season as amazing as you want it to be! Here’s hoping that for those of you who typically hate this time of year, you can find pleasure and joy this time around!
“Mam loves to buy presents, but she hates decorations. We once had a black Christmas tree because we had a new black leather couch and she wanted it to match.”
– Scarlett Moffatt
that is golden. I am so adding a link to your post in my weekly friendly newsletter because it is perfect for the occasion
Thanks so much! I meet so many people who hate the holidays, but it doesn’t have to be a time of dread. Thank you for reading!
Hmmm interesting read, funny enough my birthday is Christmas Eve and I hate it but I love Christmas so so so so much. I love the idea of creating your own traditions and celebrating how ever u want
Aw, Happy early Birthday!! Im sorry you hate your birthday, but I hope that you can change this way of thinking! It’s so amazing to celebrate the day that you were born! You have had an amazing impact on someone’s life, and that wouldn’t be possible if you weren’t born! Enjoy your birthday and Christmas this year!
Thank you so much for your kind words Jasmine, you’re so sweet❤❤
just be gratefull that we are spending Christmas with love ones or alone if you don’t have the time or chance to be with them.with all the people in the world that perished due to covid and other causes.we are still lucky we gonna be spending it this year
You’re definitely right. I hope that people find some joy this holiday season!
Who would not love the holiday season? Really love it and the best way to make it really enjoyable is to spend quality time with family and friends.
Yes!!!! Family and friends make the holiday 10 times better!
I agree with you that it’s the celebration season and there’s no way that we shouldn’t be enjoying it even there are no parties. It’s about spending time to unwind and get into the holiday spirits 🙂 – Knycx Journeying
Yes!!! We can still find a way to enjoy ourselves!
I love that you mentioned giving or helping someone to include as a holiday tradition. Sometimes the best gift that we could ever give someone is our kindness and generosity. We’ll never know who needs it the most.
You’re absolutely right! Thanks so much for reading!