Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for some people.
They’re with their family, they’re working, and they have enough money to buy presents. And they might even get some presents. Eschia… take it easy, eh!
Of course, Christmas is actually when Christians think about and honour God’s love for humanity. The Bible says God gave us the gift of his only son Jesus Christ, and tells us the nativity story of his birth.
It also tells about the promise of eternal life for us through Jesus’ death on the cross. So, Christmas is actually not supposed to be about Santa and the chaos of buying, giving and receiving gifts. Yet that’s what it has become.
And, Christmas can be a hard time for some. For instance, many people are already in debt and yet they’re expected to buy everybody a gift. In fact, lots of people expect many gifts.
They might also have to buy someone a gift at work, all while worrying about their regular payments, like rent, car payments and the light bills. To not let people down, they borrow more money and buy gifts.
People can also be lonely at Christmas. Perhaps loved ones are in another town or have passed on and they are missed. Yet, we constantly see images of families and friends together, which may make them feel worse.
People may feel pressure to look happy, meanwhile they may have a mental health problem or are not physically able to join in the celebrations.
Others might be in a care home or in the hospital, and they see others leave for Christmas or have visitors while they can’t.
Other people are reminded of bad memories at Christmas, like not getting presents or looking after their younger siblings because their parents were out partying.
Some people don’t like crowds, and Christmas forces us to be in places with more people and noise than usual. There’s music, lights, longer line ups and packed restaurants. All this can be overwhelming.
Other people worry about getting sick from others who expect to shake your hand, hug you, or kiss you; remember, the Covid pandemic has killed many people we know.
Some people worry over expectations to eat and drink things they don’t want to, or can’t, consume. For instance, a diabetic person will see candies, pies, cake and chocolates everywhere.
Or some of us are alcoholics and many people who drink expect others to drink as well. Alcohol is offered to us over and over. Many people give in to temptation and start drinking.
Making things better
People can do plenty to help deal with their concerns and it all starts with planning. For instance, people with money problems should carefully plan how to get presents and food without borrowing money.
Many organizations provide food hampers and toys at Christmas. Depending on where you live, check with places like the band office, Metis local, social services, Salvation Army, Sahtu land corporations, or Inuvialuit community corporations. Maybe grandparents can buy extra presents this year.
To avoid loneliness, call and visit friends and loved ones, go out and talk to people, go to mass, go to AA or NA meetings. Write a letter to or do a ceremony for the person they miss or go visit the person’s gravesite. They can also get together with other people who miss the person and talk about him/her.
Those with bad Christmas memories might think of a plan to deal with things that would not be stressful and make them feel safe and happy. Learn some breathing techniques to ease tensions and see a counsellor to work through the issue.
If it’s hard to be around lots of people, maybe plan to go to dinners for a short period of time, and leave. Or don’t go to large gatherings; visit friends at home instead. And go early to parties and leave when too many people get there.
People afraid of getting sick from gatherings can decline to go or wear a mask and say they have a cold, if they don’t want to offend people. They can bump elbows instead of shaking hands.
Also, try not to touch your face. Wash your hands often, or carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer. If you don’t like noise and line ups, go to stores and restaurants early in the morning or late at night. Sit at the very back or front of the restaurant.
If you are worried about overeating or drinking too much, don’t feel that you have to eat or drink everything that is offered and take small portions. You can alternate between drinking alcohol then water. Most people will not even notice.
If you don’t want to drink, you can decline alcohol and just stay for a short period of time. In other words, plan to depart and actually leave before the temptation becomes too great. That’s what I do.
So, there you have it. Christmas season is a wonderful time for many and with planning, people who normally have a hard time can get through it and maybe even enjoy themselves a bit.