2023 Holiday Stress Management Blog

Welcome to My Holiday Stress Management Blog

Navigating Holiday Stress in the Modern World of 2023

By Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D.

11.12.23  Can you feel it?   Is your foot bobbing up and down as you read this?  We are officially in the holiday season, and it's not uncommon to feel a sense of stress and anxiety.  I wrote a blog on holiday stress and the challenges of navigating family plans for the holidays.  Fast forward to 2023, and the landscape has evolved, adding new elements to our seasonal stress.

I've observed a shift in the primary stressors.  While gift choices and budgeting remain factors, the spotlight now often falls on the intricacies of making plans with family members against the backdrop of contemporary challenges.

One significant factor is the shadow of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  The virus has reshaped how we approach gatherings, adding an extra layer of complexity to holiday plans.  Families grapple with decisions like whether to gather in person, opt for virtual celebrations, or, in some cases, navigate a hybrid approach.  Many families rent a spacious venue where they can minimize exposure to COVID and the flu by not squeezing everyone in so tightly.  Hosting venues are still significant considerations for families with elderly and immune-compromised relatives.

Economic considerations also play a pivotal role.  With inflation affecting prices across the board, the financial aspect of holiday planning has become a more pressing concern for many.  The balance between creating meaningful experiences and managing a realistic budget has never been more delicate.

While some families have established long-standing traditions, others, particularly younger ones, are still in the negotiation phase.  Deciding which family to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with can be a delicate dance, with unwritten rules and family expectations adding stress.

Breaking away from established norms can bring about guilt and tension, especially when the unspoken rule is to spend every Christmas with the family of origin.  This dynamic is particularly challenging for adult children who may yearn to create new holiday traditions, wake up with their children on Christmas morning, and spend quality time together before venturing off to other family gatherings.

For those contemplating a shift in holiday plans, now is the opportune time to broach the subject.  Regardless of this year's agenda, family gatherings provide the perfect opportunity to talk about changes for get-togethers next year.  Problem-solve with your loved ones and write it down for next year's discussion.  Not everyone will remember the plan and the notes document the conversation.  Strive for middle-ground solutions, emphasizing problem-solving over a win/lose mentality.  The key is open communication, understanding that the landscape of holiday celebrations is evolving, and flexibility can be the antidote to seasonal stress and hurt feelings.

In this ever-changing cultural and economic climate, acknowledging the current realities while maintaining the spirit of togetherness can help navigate the holiday season with grace and understanding.

Peace,

Peggy

Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D.