"There are many reasons why this time of year might be hard. Some individuals may experience difficulty linked to the dark and cold (as discussed in a previous Mindful Metaphors article on wintertime sadness). Or others who celebrate different holidays during the late fall and early winter time frame can feel a bit excluded. But there can also be general melancholy related to the representations or reminders that emerge during the holiday season."
"Recognizing that many people might have difficult anniversary dates or unhappy memories during this season helps increase validation for others and for oneself. Holidays can sometimes hurt more than bring happiness. The exaggeration in this song might also serve as a reminder to create more realistic expectations for the holiday season, as heightened, unrealistic expectations can make this time more challenging."
Many people experience distress during the holiday season rather than joy. Darkness, cold, and exclusion from differing holiday practices contribute to seasonal difficulty and melancholy. Holiday representations and reminders can trigger unhappy memories or anniversaries. Eight coping suggestions use popular Christmas song titles as prompts for practical strategies. Recommendations include validating difficult feelings, setting realistic expectations to reduce disappointment, soothing the senses, spending time in nature, and maintaining good sleep. These reframes provide concrete self-care tools for individuals seeking support or wanting to help someone struggling during the late fall and early winter months.
Read at Psychology Today
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