Updated: Dec. 22, 2020
Originally Published: Dec. 22, 2020
Photo by Christina Reichl Photography/Getty
Let’s be real for a moment. Many of us (probably a lot of us) are just not feeling the holiday spirit this year. When we say “holiday spirit,” we mean the joy, excitement, and urge to bake cookies, deck the halls, sing carols, and spend hours wrapping gifts. Maybe it’s the lingering effects of the pandemic and endless months of virtual learning. Perhaps it’s the frustration of tightening budgets. Or maybe it’s the anger at those who still refuse to be responsible and help curb the spread of illness. It could even stem from the heartache of losing loved ones or worrying about friends battling health issues.
For countless reasons, we’re feeling particularly Grinch-like as we close out this challenging year. We’re not feeling festive; we’re feeling frustrated. Instead of holiday cheer, we just want to hibernate until the world feels right again. Decorating the tree? Meh. Baking cookies? Who cares.
And that’s okay, because we could all use a little joy right now. The good news is that we have a few days left to dig deep and find some semblance of holiday spirit. If the Grinch can do it, so can we. 2020 is nearly behind us, so let’s hang a wreath, maybe play a carol or two, wrap up some silly socks for the kids, and perhaps we’ll rediscover that elusive Christmas spirit. It’s still in there somewhere, we promise.
Confessions from the Heart
Confession #258097123: With two boys under 10 who are doing e-learning, all I want at the end of the day is to sit in silence. I don’t feel excited about Christmas at all. Honestly, I just want to sleep in and be left alone while the kids open their presents without me.
Confession #25809299: I’m doing all the festive things with my kids today. They’re so enthusiastic, and yet I feel completely numb. It’s like I’m dead inside.
Confession #25809716: I wish we could just skip Christmas this year. It feels like just another task on top of helping my kids finish this semester of online school. I’d rather just give everyone a little cash and let them figure it out themselves.
It’s understandable if you’re feeling overwhelmed and tired from trying to meet the holiday expectations this year. COVID-19 has stripped away so much, and if you’re not up for baking dozens of cookies or buying gifts for every relative like before, that’s perfectly fine. Be gentle with yourself. Bundle the family in cozy pajamas, take a drive to see the lights, and whip up some hot cocoa. Boom! Holiday spirit achieved.
Confession #25809499: I dread buying gifts for my husband. He’s never satisfied!
Confession #25808103: I always end up buying my own birthday and holiday presents. I don’t want to enable my husband’s awful behavior, but if I don’t take care of myself, I get nothing.
Confession #25808941: I’m the only one working in this house, making minimum wage, and I can’t even afford Christmas presents for my kids this year. I’m really sorry, babies; Santa can’t come this time.
Confession #25804888: I’m tired of spending hundreds on gifts that my kids play with for a week before they end up shoved in the closet.
If your teen won’t set up the Christmas tree this year, then maybe it just won’t happen. I work full-time and handle everything else— I honestly don’t care if we celebrate this holiday or not.
If you’re feeling more like “Mommy Grinch” than “Ho, ho, ho!” this year, know that you’re not alone. 2020 has drained the joy from so many of us, and many don’t want to bake cookies or stuff stockings. We just want some peace and a nap.
Remember, making Christmas special doesn’t require going above and beyond. You don’t need to buy extravagant gifts or take perfect family photos. If the gifts are minimal this year or if you spend the day in pajamas, that’s perfectly okay. It’s been a rough year. Lower your expectations a bit, play some festive music in the background, and you might just find that the holiday spirit is still lurking somewhere.
And most importantly, make sure to carve out time for that well-deserved nap. You’ve earned it.
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In summary, many parents are feeling the weight of the holiday season more than ever, grappling with feelings of burnout and frustration. It’s important to remember that the essence of Christmas lies in love and connection, not extravagant gifts or perfect celebrations. Be kind to yourself and focus on what truly matters.
Keyphrase: Christmas spirit during difficult times
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