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Friday, March 29, 2024

Surviving the silly season

For some of us, Christmas Holidays is the most exciting time of year. We love the busy-ness, the chance to catch up with family and friends. For others, the very mention of it sends us into a complete tailspin.

If your heart sinks at the very thought of silly season and you think that you’re alone, you’re not!

We’re told this time of year is supposed to be fun and stress-free, but, for many of us, we start to feel lonely, down and insecure. So how do you survive silly season when you are feeling like this?

Firstly, know it’s okay to feel the way you do. It’s about embracing your feelings and differences. Let go of the expectations of what this time of year should be and don’t get caught up in it. If you want to sit and read a book, then that’s okay. It’s about what makes you happy.

If you’re alone over the holidays, think about what you can do, where can you go, what would make this a joyous occasion for you.

I remember my first Christmas alone after my divorce, my sons went to their wives’ families and there I was alone, curled up in bed and not wanting to get out. Yet, the sun was shining through my window as if saying ‘come outside and enjoy the sunshine’ – that’s exactly what I did. As I started walking, I came across a friend who asked what I was doing and, next thing you know, I was at this big Italian family Christmas lunch and had the best time.

Reach out to other people or even volunteer.

Take up a workshop or class to be with others during this time. There are many resources for this, such as mudputty.com

If you’re that person who says “no” to invitations, now is the time to practice saying “yes”. Know that others are there for you and it’s okay to ask for help if you need it.

Giving of your time during holidays is a way to connect with others and bring joy to their lives and yours. Having Christmas lunch with my dad and chatting with the other residents of the aged care facility, some years back, filled my heart.

Get busy … busy-ness helps fill the void when you’re alone. Is there an option to work or to spend the day working around your home doing that project you’ve been putting off?

Lastly, there is social media. Connect with your online friends and family. Set up your Silly Season group and host a party where you can drop in and out of. There’s a bonus to this type of catch-up, there is no clean-up afterwards.

After all, we’re all different and that’s what makes us unique and special. But what’s important is to seek out what feels right for you and what makes you happy.

About the author: Peta Gillian is the founder of Strong Healthy Women and holds Australia’s only ‘Fit, Fab & Fifty+ – An Ageless Confidence Event’.

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