Sleighing Stress: A Mindful Guide to Christmas
December 10, 2024
Going into the second week of December, the festive season has well and truly begun as trees are put up and lights are hung.
For most, we tend to think of Christmas as an opportunity to come together with our friends and family in celebration. However, for a number of Australians, the lead up to Christmas and New Year’s is not all that merry or bright.
“While many people will be looking forward to the holiday period, the impact of Christmas is not always positive. Many people can feel negative effects including increased stress, family conflicts and alcohol misuse to heightened loneliness, increasing mental health difficulties and domestic violence.”
– UK Nursing Times
Our alcohol and other drug support workers know this too well, as we see people turning to substances in order to deal with the additional stress that they may be facing.
Overcoming Holiday Financial Anxiety
Gift giving has become synonymous with the Christmas holiday experience, as themed products flood grocery and retail stores as early as October. Social media, television advertising and in-store promotions all place significant social pressure on families to spend big during the holiday season in order to create a magical Christmas.
But in these times of increasing economic uncertainty, it is becoming more difficult for families to financially support themselves over the holiday period. Parents may need to work extra hours, or stretch a meal over days, just to afford presents to put under the Christmas tree.
A recent survey from the Red Cross Foundation found that 54% of participants indicated that cost of living was negatively affecting their ability to connect and celebrate the holidays with their family members.
“The festive season can often bring feelings of stress and pressure, particularly for those who may be concerned about their current financial situation”
– Red Cross Foundation
Our Street Outreach team are seeing this first hand as they provide critical support to people experiencing homelessness or other unstable accommodation.
‘People lose their sense of dignity if they can’t keep up a positive appearance. We’re noticing a greater need for them around Christmas time, and especially this year as times are very tough.”
—Jason Durnan, Community Outreach Coordinator
If you suspect a friend or family member is struggling to make ends meet over Christmas time, consider suggesting some lower-cost alternatives for traditional holiday activities:
- Meet up a few days after Christmas, when fuel and flights are generally cheaper than peak times
- Do a pre-loved Christmas by recycling/upcycling gifts you already have at home
- Share the cost of the holiday meal across family members or friends, or suggest a pot-luck meal. Stick to store-brands and specials rather than name brands.
- Have an alcohol-free Christmas, making mocktails or opting for other non-alcohol alternatives
Or, have a conversation where you can come up with your own traditions, making Christmas more about being together rather than giving gifts.
Wellbeing over Christmas and finding peace among the holiday chaos
As well as financial issues, many are dealing with higher emotional stress, with more reports of loneliness and anxiety over the Christmas period.
For single parents, the bereaved, people experiencing homelessness, the elderly or disabled, and others facing hardships being alone over the holidays can leave them feeling like their lives are worth less than others. Those living alone were the most likely to feel lonely, including single parents.
Unfortunately, these negative feelings can lead to an increase in alcohol intake, which can in turn, grow into problematic levels of drinking.
“Social circles have shrunk, with 58 per cent of people surveyed feeling like they have fewer social connections now, compared to 5-10 years ago.”
– Red Cross Foundation
As feelings of social isolation grow, we’ve compiled a list of ways that you can stay connected these holidays:
- Think about a family member you haven’t seen in a while, or someone who is isolated in your Giving them a phone call or sending a Christmas card is an easy and cost-effective way to show that you care and that you’re thinking of them.
- Volunteer – We also believe that giving back to the community can be a great way to feel more connected and appreciated this Christmas. From volunteering at homeless shelters, or perhaps even at a Drug ARM Op Shop or with our Outreach Services, there are a surprising number of ways that you can connect with your community.
- Join community events: Attend a local Christmas gathering, concert, or church service in your suburb or town. These events are all about bringing people together in the spirit of Christmas.
- Online Games: If you can’t be physically present with your family and friends, online games are a great way to interact and encourage fun over the holidays. Games are available at all price-points, including free ones in your Web Browser. Combined with communication apps like Zoom and Facetime you can have fun with others from all around the globe this Christmas.
We hope that you find a way to give and receive from the heart, keeping to the true meaning of Christmas.
Drug ARM wishes everyone a happy, healthy, and safe Christmas and New Year.
Stock images used to protect the identities of our clients
