For many of us, the thought of turning someone down feels unbearable. We worry about disappointing others, being seen as unkind, or even damaging our relationships. Questions like, Am I a bad friend, parent, sibling, or colleague if I don’t say yes? can plague our minds. But the reality is: constantly saying yes isn’t always the act of kindness we think it is – to others or ourselves.
Dear December: Why Are You So Stressful?
Not everyone looks forward to Christmas with open arms. For some, it’s a tough, lonely, or downright stressful time of year. If that’s you, you’re probably already feeling the pressure to “be merry,” “have fun,” and “make it magical.” Sound exhausting? You’re not alone.
For others, Christmas is a season of joy: twinkling lights, advent calendars, markets, the smell of pine trees and cinnamon, and cosy evenings with mulled wine and hot chocolate. But even for the Christmas enthusiasts, let’s be honest – December is usually way too busy.
So how can we all survive – and maybe even enjoy – this chaotic season? Here are some simple tips to make Christmas less stressful and a little more meaningful.
