How to survive December when you don't like Christmas?
Do you start breaking out in a cold sweat whenever you hear Wham on the speakers at the supermarket? Can't stand Mariah Carey's music playing non-stop everywhere you go?
Whether it's fear of loneliness, family meals that get out of hand or the stress of organizing, many people are not keen on this period.
Here are some tips to try to have a good holiday season despite everything.
Go on a trip
It's time for you to take a break, whether with family or alone.
You come back, in addition to having gone through Christmas in a different context, full of vitamin D and ready to face the winter.
Personally, this is what I do every year since I moved to Canada (Chicago, New York twice, and this year Madrid normally if cousin Omnicron allows me)
Find the people you love
Not necessarily the family if gatherings are not on the agenda on that side.
Here especially as expatriates, we have Christmas with friends. With this new family that we create, between those who do not return to see their families for the holidays for example.
This avoids feeling that sense of loneliness in spite of yourself, because Christmas means family celebrations.
Small gifts to be drawn, a nice little dish far from the traditional turkey with chestnuts if you want to break the codes. Everything is possible.
Outsmart overconsumption this holiday season
Make way for DIY to create your own Christmas decorations, or even custom-made gifts. You will appreciate putting your creative talents to the service of the cause rather than emptying your entire wallet on all kinds of trinkets. Which will often not be used or left in a corner after barely a month.
Give your time to others
Christmas loneliness for some can turn into solidarity
Marauding, support for the elderly, food banks, etc. Many associations need manpower on holiday evenings.
Have fun in a different way for New Year’s Eve
And why not swap the traditional New Year's Eve dinner for a good film at the cinema, a show or even a play?
When I traveled solo, I often booked myself a Broadway musical in New York for example or a stroll through the Christmas market on New Year's Eve. It takes you out of that fear of loneliness especially when you know everyone is gathering around you to celebrate.
