Help for the holidays 2021—a selection
Help for the holidays 2021—a selection
Contributor: Selena Garcia
“And the summer, it too will fade
And with it brings the winter's frost, dear
And I know we, too, are made
Of all the things that we have lost here”—Phoebe Bridgers
Whether you love the holidays or not, they tend to be a stressful time of year. Add your seasonal challenges on top of everything else in the world today, and it can feel impossible not to get emotionally overburdened.
Here are five resources to help you through.
1) Listen: “A Very Indie Christmas.” A playlist from Apple Music
We link to Apple Music because they pay their artist fairly. If you don’t use Apple, here are a few selected favorites you can find on YouTube:
“Day After Tomorrow” from Phoebe Bridgers
“It Was A… (Masked Christmas)” from Jimmy Fallon ft. Ariana Grande & Megan Thee Stallion
“Christmas Time Is Here” from Khruangbin
Not included on the above playlist that we love and want to lift up is:
“Over The Rainbow (Feat Egypt”) from Alicia Keys
“While the holidays can be times of loving celebration, they can also highlight relational conflicts and challenges.”—Tara Brach
2) Listen (51:06): “Preparing Our Hearts for The Holidays” from Tara Brach
DESCRIPTION: “While the holidays can be times of loving celebration, they can also highlight relational conflicts and challenges. This talk explores how, given the stress of the season, we can bring grace and openheartedness to ourselves and others.”
(06:09) "One big stressor is the patterning set in from our families of origin. But also… there has been a huge spike, in general, in anxiety and depression and loneliness and fear. We're in global emergencies, climate emergency. Authoritarianism is on the rise. There's a huge divide between people of different views. And then with COVID fears, so many are entering the holidays, this holiday, carrying major losses, recent deaths that they're grieving. And this is particularly true because COVID has been so unequal in its effect. It's particularly true for those hit hardest: lower-income people, black, indigenous, people of color. So many families have experienced a death of a loved one… and, there's stress and particular kind of hardship for those who are trans, non-conforming gender identities. Those who are LGBTQIA frequently face abuse or misunderstanding from families of origin. So, times of gathering can be very disturbing."
“Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays.”—Mayo Clinic
3) Read: “Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for Coping” from Mayo Clinic
This piece is not as sterile as it sounds. Well, maybe it is, but the tips are legit.
“Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.”
“Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.”
“Do we burn out, freak out, and spend the holidays in a state of discomfort? Or do we set boundaries around our time, space and energy?”—Hailey Magee
4) READ: “How to Reduce Holiday Stress by Setting Strong Boundaries” by Hailey Magee
“Even the merriest among us know that the holidays can be emotionally, physically, and psychologically taxing. In addition to buying gifts, negotiating travel plans, and shuttling from gathering to gathering, many of us spend extended time with our families—and every family, no matter how loving, has its fair share of challenges.”
“When these difficult family dynamics combine with holiday-season stress, we may find ourselves at a crossroads. Do we burn out, freak out, and spend the holidays in a state of discomfort? Or do we set boundaries around our time, space, and energy?”
“Go where you are honored during the holidays.”— Johndalyn Armstrong
5) Read: “Go Where You Are Honored During The Holidays” from Rest for Resistance
“It is important to remember that, even if there is tension among your bio family, you are still loved and honored for who you are in the other spaces you create for yourself. No one can take that from you.”
“You have the authority to activate your agency for your safety.”
In closing, we share these words from poet Yung Pueblo:
“11 ways to make the most of 2022”
“let yourself change
make rest a high priority
say no without feeling bad
stop jumping to conclusions
do not rush important things
build your own success
make more time for key friends
appreciate the small steps forward
stay aligned with your highest goals
take the risk when your intuition says yes
build with people who are open to growth”
Wishing you a healthy, safe, and supported holiday. Thank you for being with us another year.
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