How to cope with Christmas anxiety
Christmas anxiety is a very real emotion for many of us. It can leave us feeling overwhelmed, out of control and unable to enjoy what should be “the most wonderful time of the year.” But what can we do about it?
Christmas is coming…
It’s known to high street retailers as the Christmas creep – when festive themed merchandise and decorations start appearing in shops earlier than the start of the traditional Christmas shopping season. And even if you don’t work in retail, we all recognise the creep. From hearing the first strains of ‘All I want for Christmas’ in October (yes, we did) to spotting stocking selection boxes in the confectionery aisles, Christmas can feel like it’s come round so fast that it never really left us! After all, some people do leave their Christmas lights up all year round…
While some of us can’t get enough of Christmas, for others it’s complete sensory, stress-inducing, overload. Flickering fairy lights, bustling crowds, repetitive Christmas muzak, and the overwhelming smell of mulled wine and cinnamon; and mince pies – mince pies everywhere! There are parties, nativity plays, carol singing, gift buying, present wrapping… the list goes on and on.
And somehow, it all seems to be on your list!
Christmas can inspire mixed feelings in us. The sheer mountain of organisation feels like a military campaign – and if you’re not careful it can send you and your mental health into meltdown.
We asked our Zebra Pen brand ambassadors how they cope with the most stressful – and special – time of year.
Keeping your own stress under control
‘Christmas overwhelm’ is a recognised form of anxiety. One in four of us say we find Christmas the most challenging time of the year.
Which is why prioritising emotional and mental health should be top of everyone’s list. “As someone who suffers from high levels of anxiety, Christmas anxiety could be a real problem for me,” our lovely ambassador Claire confides. “I often buy gifts as early as September, so I don’t get overwhelmed by shopping and the crowds in November and December.”
Why list-making is at the heart of Christmas self-care
It wouldn’t be Christmas without – a list! It means we’ve got a clear game plan about what we need to do and by when.
Ambassador Lois finds list-making is brilliant for her emotional wellbeing. “I’m definitely guilty of going ‘all out’ for Christmas, but as excited as I am, it builds up a lot of anxiety. I really like to write lots of lists and plan my time out closer to Christmas. That way, I can space everything out as much as possible and reduce the pressure.”
So, keep calm and make a list. List-making reassures us that we can – and will – get everything done in time. And what we don’t want to do, we can delegate to other people and share the load. (Our blog “How to avoid festive burnout” talks more about list-making and delegating tasks.)
Love your list
Making your list is part of the pleasure – so celebrate the moment when you start your Christmas planning! Light a scented candle, play some favourite festive music to set the mood, and choose your pen. Our Vintage Sarasa Clip pens in deep burgundy and forest green might have been made for Christmas. They feel as good to write with as they look, too. Or try the classic, effortlessly elegant 901 for a smooth list-writing experience: all glide, no glitch. (And a classy stainless steel 901 – with a black, silver or navy barrel – also makes a perfect present!) A little pop of gold and silver, or a rich inky, sparkly splash of colour with our festive, glittery Doodler’z and your list is complete.
Ambassador Alex has a dedicated page in her planner to capture gifting ideas for people – which helps keep a lid on her stress levels. “Although I’ve avoided hosting Christmas, as a mum-of-three, the weeks leading up to the end of term are often long, dark and exhausting! I always worry about the children being ill and off school before I have finished my Christmas shopping!” Alex’s gift ideas planner means no-one gets forgotten about.
Plus, planning your time means planning in your me-time too – another crucial way to avoid festive burn-out. You can make time to see friends for a Christmassy catch up, or experiment with different decorating themes for your Christmas cakes and cookies, long before the big day arrives, safe in the knowledge that Christmas won’t suddenly rush up on you.
Being creative can take the edge off Christmas anxiety
Christmas is ambassador Amanda’s best-loved time of year. “To combat Christmas anxiety so it doesn’t spoil the festive feeling I try to remember to make pockets of time for quiet, restorative me-time. “
“This can be doodling, painting, reading or listening to my favourite music. I always remember to take a few deep breaths too. 💕”
To counteract the busyness and overwhelm, Claire makes “time to do nice creative, inspiring things,” that bring calm and enjoyment. “I make cards for family and friends, go for walks and collect fallen leaves or berries to use for decorations, and also bake, or cook festive treats.”
Why wellbeing should be top of your list
“Christmas is my time to relax,” says Peach, whose lead-up to the festive period is taken up with academic study and revision. When everyone else is preparing for Christmas, her thoughts are “mainly focused on exams” so “unlike the Christmas anxiety that others have” Peach’s pre-Christmas stress is work related. Too busy with studies to think about crafting and card-making, Peach makes sure that once her term has finished, she prioritises her wellbeing by having some proper time-off from studying and enjoying the break with friends and family.
Learning to put yourself first can feel like you’re going against the grain. But you’re not being selfish. If you’re calmer and feel in control of your Christmas, everyone else in the room will feel good too.
Self-care at Christmas is one of the best ways to stay sane, and give everyone, including you, a wonderful Christmas to remember. Stress-free.