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Seasonal Pressure

Writer's picture: Peter TeuscherPeter Teuscher



Happy holidays everyone!


I remember as a child during this time of year my dad used to tell me that it was the worst season year him as a fireman.  In Canada firefighters are first responders and as such they get called to medical emergencies as well as fires.  At Christmas time the men of the fire department were often called to domestic disputes where one person had injured another.  It was often due to a combination of alcohol and people coming together out of obligation whether they liked each other or not. Some Christmas dinners led to drunken brawls, stabbings or drug overdoses.


It is certainly not a happy season for everyone. Some force themselves to see family members they have little or no contact with during the rest of the year while others are left sad and lonely because they have no one to spend Christmas with.  There can be tremendous pressure to find a gift that would fill the eyes of its recipient with joy and gratitude. We are also told “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” so on top of feeling obligated to give perfect gifts and perhaps entertain others, we are expected to be happy ourselves.


It is important to remember that these are just a few days of the year like any of the others. If you are feeling the pressure of the season or are dreading the people you feel obligated to spend time with there are a few things you can do. Look for things you can be grateful for. If you can’t love the people you are with do your best to accept them without judgement. Let go of your expectations of others and of the way these days “should” unfold. Let go of disappointment. Things are the way they are and you can’t change other people. You can choose not to spend time with them next year.


If you are feeling lonely you are not the only one. Maybe you can volunteer in your community.  At this time of year, there are plenty of people who are homeless or elderly that would appreciate your company. Giving your time at Christmas may be the most valuable gift you can give. This holiday season I hope you are spending it with people that you love but don’t put too much pressure on this occasion to be a certain way.  If you can’t find happiness in this moment then, just like any other day of the year, focus on positive thoughts and practice gratitude. When you do happiness will be around the corner.

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