It's That Crazy Time Of The Year Again - Tis' the season to be jolly?

INTRODUCTION:

It's the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most crazy. How many of you remember decades ago when you never heard a Christmas song on the radio or saw a Christmas decoration in a store until the day after Thanksgiving? We gave each holiday its own time and space. We enjoyed each holiday before we went on to the next. Knowing that every store would be decorated the day after Thanksgiving was also exciting, and we couldn't wait to see this transformation.

It was also a time when stores did not open on holidays. Black Friday may have started in the middle of the night if stores opened, but the Thanksgiving holiday was sacred. It was a day for family and friends. Not to be rushed because stores were opening at 6 pm. I get it. I owed a retail set of stores for 17 years before I became a career firefighter. I understand that many small businesses make their next six months of profits during Christmas. However, does a few hours make a difference? I found that it did not. I learned the importance of a solid work/family life balance meant to people. Therefore, I didn't fall into that retail trap. I believed that the people who worked for me deserved that family time and earned it.

We live in a capitalistic society, which is much better than a socialistic society. However, any concept can be taken too far. Today, we see Christmas decorations up in stores at Halloween time. The fact is, for many, between seeing the decorations so early and hearing the Christmas music starting so early, people are glad to get it over with by the time Christmas gets here because it's tiring. This makes the shopping craziness start earlier, thus contributing to the craziness of the holiday season. Is it time to take a step back?

THE CRAZY TIME:

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th each year. It is a holiday filled with joy, family gatherings, and festive spirit. However, it's also notorious for its chaotic nature. Why does this time of year stir up such frenzy? Let's delve into the multifaceted reasons contributing to the wild and wonderful atmosphere surrounding the holiday season.

Christmas originated as a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. For many, the religious significance brings a heightened sense of purpose and meaning. Churches hold special services, and traditions like Advent calendars build excitement leading to the holiday. This spiritual aspect offers comfort and prompts extensive preparation, creating a flurry of activity. One of the most exhilarating yet stressful aspects of Christmas is gift-giving. What began as a simple act of compassion has become a commercial frenzy. Retailers ramp up advertisements, encouraging consumers to buy presents for everyone in their lives, leading to long shopping lists and budget strains. The pressure to find the "perfect" gift can be overwhelming, so much so that many families have downsized to things such as Secret Santa or have stopped exchanging altogether. Trying to meet the expectations of another comes with a high degree of pressure.

What do they want/ What do they like? Will they like what I got them? All these questions add to the stress of gift-giving. This being said, I am NOT telling people they should not exchange gifts. However, a realistic approach is far less stressful. Think about this. Today, many exchange gift cards so the other person can buy what they want. Therefore, I will give you a one hundred dollar gift card, and you will give me a one hundred dollar gift card. What did we accomplish? What happened to the times when it was the thought that counted? Not the dollar amount spent on the gift.

For example, I have insisted that my family NOT buy me a gift at Christmas for years. First, I buy what I need when I need it and want it throughout the year. Therefore, there is nothing I need. Also, many things I buy can be expensive, and I would never want to see anyone spend that amount. In my opinion, the best gift my family can give me is being together on the holidays. That gift is priceless.

Alongside gift-giving, social engagements multiply during the holiday season. Office parties, family gatherings, and friend meet-ups can feel obligatory rather than optional. The pressure to attend every event can lead to burnout, as people strive to maintain relationships while juggling their holiday responsibilities.

THE COMMERCIAL SURGE:

The Christmas season is synonymous with shopping. Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off a month of intense consumer activity. Stress surmounts as shoppers brave crowded malls and online sales, often leading to impulsive spending, buyer's remorse, and anxiety about financial strain in the new year. Vibrant holiday marketing campaigns bombard consumers, persuading them to purchase the latest gadgets, toys, and fashion. The relentless advertisements fuel consumer desires and create a sense of urgency as people rush to capitalize on limited-time offers. This frenzy can detract from the true spirit of giving and gratitude, throwing many into a cycle of materialism.

Christmas is a time of joy, including long-time traditions like decorating trees, baking cookies, and singing carols. Anticipation builds as families create new memories and reconnect with loved ones. However, the excitement can also be overstimulating. At the same time, this can cause people to feel joyful and overwhelmed, which is a conflicting mix of emotions.

PERSONAL EMOTIONS:

The holiday season can amplify feelings of loneliness and sadness for some individuals. Those who have lost loved ones or are far away from family may struggle with the social aspects of the holiday. The feelings of joy and sorrow can lead to complex emotional experiences that complicate the overall holiday atmosphere. Hence, "THE SCROOGE or BAH HUMBUG EFFECT."

To pull off a successful Christmas, considerable planning is required. From coordinating family visits to organizing meals and decorations, the logistics of celebrations are often time-consuming and stressful. Many find themselves overwhelmed by the thought of creating a perfect holiday experience, adding to the chaos. Or having to do it better than the person who hosted it last year.

For many, Christmas represents a significant travel season, with millions taking to the roads or skies to reunite with family. This surge in travel can lead to crowded airports, delayed flights, and traffic jams. The logistical hurdles associated with travel can exacerbate the stress experienced during the holiday season. Then, here comes the issue of whether one can afford it. December often coincides with year-end deadlines in many professions, adding another layer of complexity to the holiday season. The pressure to wrap up projects and meet targets can conflict with holiday preparations, frazzling individuals.

As each year comes to a close, many reflect on their accomplishments and challenges, leading to mixed emotions. The combination of holiday stress, work obligations, and personal reflection can culminate in feelings of exhaustion that one must navigate during this busy time.

IN CLOSING:

Craziness is usually a result of many things rather than one. Yes, Christmas is a crazy time of year, rich with cultural significance, societal pressure, and emotional depth. While it brings joy and connection, the chaos often stems from more profound feelings of expectations, consumerism, societal norms, and logistical demands. As we try to navigate this busy season, it may be helpful to focus on the underlying messages of love, generosity, and connection that are the true essence of Christmas. By prioritizing meaningful experiences over material pressures, we can develop a more balanced and joyful holiday season. Yes, "Tis' the season to be jolly." The reality is that no matter how much we try or what we do, the Christmas season will always be the craziest time of the year. But then, some types of crazy can also be good for the soul. All you have to do is pick your particular method of craziness.

I hope you enjoyed my blog post. Please subscribe to my blog, YouTube, or Vimeo Channels.

Thank you.

Please feel free to leave comments, or if you have a topic you would like me to discuss, you can email me at crondina@caesarrondinaauthor.com. As always, I accept guest blog posts. If you want to write about a topic, email your finished draft in Word format to crondina@caesarrondinaauthor.com. I will review it and contact you. Thank you.

Be safe, stay well, and focus on being happy. And remember to always: