Festive Pause

“It’s never overreacting to ask for what you want and need.” – Amy Poehler

For years I’ve battled with depression during the holidays. For years I’ve been trying to figure out why. I think I know what some of the contributing factors might be but the feelings usually go away after the season ends. I can’t say for sure if it’s perimenopause because I don’t know. However, what I’ve realized is having too many expectations for the holiday compound my depression.

A true Trini Christmas as we like to call it could be quite overwhelming: fruit soaking, black cake making, house cleaning, curtain changing, pastelle making, painting, visiting family, paranging and an endless list of chores that must be done. Added to that are all the things you do every day. Honestly, I don’t know how my parents and grandparents did it without a cleaning crew because frankly I cannot do it alone. And a big part of me not feeling badly is accepting that. I can only do so much. I also question the necessity of these traditions and the completion of these chores for one specific day. No tradition is dictating my pace. I do what I can when I can. If it doesn’t happen in time for Christmas day, there are other days in the year.

If you are like me and struggling with holiday blues, might I suggest the following:

• How you choose to celebrate or not celebrate the holidays should be determined by you
• Ask for help (something which does not come naturally to me)
• If Santa can make a list and check it twice, so can you
• If you celebrate Christmas and go the whole nine yards, start prepping earlier in the year
• Change your environment if you can, opt for somewhere relaxing and peaceful
• Learn to say no to anything that you don’t want to do, including attending family gatherings (I know this is easier said than done)
• Talk to someone about how you feel
• Take a festive pause

If you’re reading this and you are battling with the holiday blues, I’m sending hugs and positive thoughts your way.

Share ONE positive thing you do during the holidays for your mental health.