My Clash with Christmas: A Reflection

It appears that I have grown to become a grinch. Upon reflection, I suspect that maybe I have internalised the stress that many have showcased around the holiday season. Highlighting the forced and artificial; the pressure and demand for perfection, which seems unattainable. Not forgetting how overwhelming it is to acknowledge the unnecessary waste Christmas creates; not only from the excessive amounts of food, but the masses of single-use plastic produced for Christmas, from the non recyclable wrapping-paper to the gimmicky novelty tat, which no one really cares for or actually needs. Maybe the teenage angst is still spilling out of me (at 22) igniting the “Elle against the world” mentality, expressing my need for nonconformity against the strange phenomena that is the festive season. At its core simplicity, I adore Christmas. I am all for the festive cheer, some decorations, a movie or two and the reason to celebrate and show gratitude towards loved ones. However, learning and understanding the darker corners of this holiday has only made me feel like more of an outsider. I catch myself commenting on the excessive consumer demand. As a society we are so glutinous and consumed by the constant desire to have more, it seems to be an inherent competition between one another that I am desperate to break free from. The discomfort to see people posting their mountains of gifts on social media, seems almost dystopian. Oh and what is with Santa? an old man with a brand deal? the original instagram influencer. 

Many of my friends expressed excitement for the festive season, which only increased my guilt, as though something was wrong with me for my lack of enthusiasm. Even Christmas movies make you feel guilty! Not enough Christmas spirit and Santa’s sleigh can’t fly? So you want me to sing songs and buy presents, otherwise I am responsible for the failings of an older man’s heavy machinery? Despite all of this, I am grateful to acknowledge what I don’t like, so that future festivities are more welcoming and not as overwhelming. I want to create my own simplistic Christmas magic;  focusing more so on creating long-lasting happy memories with loved ones rather than what I can buy for them. From this reflection here are some pointers towards creating a hopeful easy-breezy Christmas that doesn’t make me want to blast all of the angry pop-punk anti-Christmas songs. 

1 adopt a more minimalistic approach – the excessive is not needed, don’t overwhelm yourself with masses, focus on what provides true happiness.

2 shopping local/shopping small businesses – this year has seen so many new businesses flourishing, and it is so important to support someone’s dream whilst simultaneously thoughtfully gifting your loved ones.

3 happiness > perfection – don’t stress about looking perfect, the perfection truly comes from your own happiness created in this time

4 be aware of your energy – negative energy lingers and suffocates the room, if you’re stressed that is impacting others too, even little ones. 

5 think waste – you know you’re going to be in a painful food coma if you finish that massive plateful, focusing on cooking/plating up only what you can handle. 

6 gifting smart – reusing bags/ribbons from previous years, recycled and recyclable materials, focusing on more of a sustainable christmas. 

7 handmade is often more heartfelt – maybe bake cookies and personalise to share with friends

8 knowing love languages – if someone’s love language is quality time and you were planning on spending £500 on a watch for them, would they really enjoy that as much as you think?

9 a communal effort – no one person should have the pressure of making christmas perfect for the family, step up in places where you wouldn’t usually, even if that one person is usually a control freak (more often than not they just have never had adequate support).

10 breathe – take time out as and when you need it, there’s always going to be a manic moment as festivities are not a part of our daily routines. Take time for yourself, and reflect. 

However, I understand that not everyone will relate to this or feel the same way as I do. I understand that I have made quite contradictory statements about a very sacred time for people, although I recognise that it is quite healthy to begin to understand different perspectives.