It's the most wonderful time of the year again...except not really.
There comes a point in your life where the holidays just suck. Going back home, fake smiling in your estranged relatives' faces, scraping together enough money to buy extravagant gifts for the people you care about the most: it's all extremely overwhelming and it just becomes a chore. I can't even enjoy the holidays anymore.
You might even feel like the Grinch. But I am here to tell you, you are not alone.
If you're going through a difficult time in your life, the holidays can be particularly hard to find joy in. I find it especially hard to have to go home to a place I am not completely comfortable staying at. Family strain and other issues such as this can make the colder months unbearable. Being in college has made that strain even worse.
I find that I quickly lose interest in things I enjoyed when it was warmer. I am always tired, and I have a hard time concentrating. That can be very dangerous, especially as we cinch towards finals week. But what can you do?
This is probably the first year where I haven't been in that "mood." I've always loved Christmas and New Year's. I took delight in shopping for my friends and family, being able to bring joy to others. I loved decorating my home with cheesy decor and furnishing my front door with lights galore.
I can say that I haven't gotten it all figured it out, but most days out of the year, I'm still suffering too.
During this time, it's best to surround yourself with people who will support you, people who are open to talking. Open yourself up to new traditions, it could be possible the old ones just are fitting anymore for you. Get enough rest to replenish yourself; do not oversleep. Learn to not over-schedule yourself. Too many events can wear you out, and it is totally okay to say no. Don't overindulge in anything you might regret later, whether it be alcohol, food, etc.
Don't be afraid to confide in someone, even if you think you're being annoying.
And to those who are going through it, I hear you, I see you, and I'm with you.