It's something you can't control. The obsessive actions. The lingering thoughts. The uncontrollable urge. It's not your fault, but some people just don't understand. They tell you to "calm down" or "just get over it" but they don't realize that that isn't possible. It isn't something that you just "get over". It's a battle that you fight every single day. It's a part of you that you have to accept and live with. It's OCD and it's time that we talk about it. It's time we talk about your need to deck the halls and your undeniable urge to jingle those bells.
Wait! What?
That's right. You aren't in this fight alone. I too suffer from Obsessive Christmas Disorder and I will help you through it. Christmastime is finally here after an entire year of singing my merry tunes in silence, hiding my secret Christmas list, and covering up my elf socks I can finally let my Santa hat fly. The others just don't understand. They don't get our never ending love for the holiday season and all things peppermint. "But it's only November," you say. Ho! Ho! Ho! young, naive one. Those of us with OCD know that the moment Halloween is over, Christmas begins. Yes, we see Thanksgiving there in our calendar blocking the way to yet another day closer to Santa but it just pales in comparison to the merry holiday. Look, those of us affected by Obsessive Christmas Disorder have to stick together. Wondering if you too have an undiagnosed case? Here are 5 signs of OCD and how to handle them.
1. You've broken out your Michael Buble Christmas album back in October.
The cold weather has approached us and as soon as it's acceptable to break out the riding boots, it's acceptable to break out the Christmas songs. At least, that's how we feel. So it's still October, big deal! You can literally smell the Christmas coming your way and, as we all know, "the only way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear".
2. Your decorations are up and they're PERFECT.
So have you heard that some people won't put up their Christmas tree until after Thanksgiving? That's blasphemy! You've had your tree up for almost a month not to mention the lights, garland, life-sized Santa with all of his reindeer, and Frosty blow up figure. I know you can't help it, it's the disease talking but, let's be honest, the more Christmas, the merrier right? You only adjusted the star 47 times this year. That's called progress folks!
3. You've been secretly wearing Christmas socks since Halloween.
Bats, witches, and vampires are out and Santa hats, elves, and jungle bells are in. You switched out those bat socks for Christmas ones faster than we can say "Buddy" and you aren't ashamed. OCD doesn't leave time for guilt. You don't have time for anything because you have to make it to Hallmark before all of the good prints are gone!
4. Your house smells like gingerbread and cinnamon.
There is nothing better than coming in from a blustery day filled with secret Santa shopping to a house that smells like Mr. Claus himself lives there. Christmas isn't just a holiday, its a state of mind. Does that sound crazy? Sorry, it's the OCD talking.
5. You're secretly sad that it's almost here.
Christmas is almost here, which means that it's almost over. After the 25th we have to go back to spreading our cheer in silence and hiding how jolly we are. It's just not right. As ready for the best holiday on planet Earth as we are, we just don't want it to end.
So, don't worry. Now you know that you aren't alone in your battle with Obsessive Christmas Disorder. This is a fight that we can win together. No more hiding away with your perfect decorations and festive socks. It's all out in the open and it's time to celebrate. Christmas is almost here! The excitement is so real and the emotions are high. Watch Hallmark Christmas movies and eat way too much gingerbread and we will be right there with you, fighting this battle together.
