Christmas Time Is Here
Watching Christmas films often gives the impression of warm, loving and peaceful family relationships. Yet in reality the frenzy of organising holidays can raise stress and make people feel differently.
By Iveta Upeniece
Films versus reality
When we watch Christmas films, the families shown often appear warm, loving and peaceful. That is certainly possible, but less likely in the middle of the holiday planning frenzy.
The organising frenzy
Indeed it can feel like a frenzy — organising an event that involves more than one person can be associated with higher stress levels. Large events such as weddings can sometimes resemble family crises in how stressful they feel, though that does not mean a crisis will necessarily occur; these situations can simply strain relationships.
Why I write this
Why am I writing about this now? Why not focus only on the scent of tangerines and gingerbread with sweet sugar icing? I want to remind you that if you suddenly find yourself blaming yourself for not feeling happy but rather stressed, tired, unappreciated or angry, others who organised things may feel the same.
Practical family examples
Some people find themselves sweating over the stove, decorating the home and tree, watching the children, and still trying to persuade the godmother not to make herring under a fur coat or rasols because another dish was planned. Or they may be trying to convince a grandmother not to buy the grandchildren 10 kg of sweets, but instead to invent something creative, play or sing together. These familiar scenes can hold humour and warmth alongside strain and fatigue.
A Jungian lens and safety considerations
Family gatherings can activate complexes and archetypes; I mention this explicitly as a Jungian symbolic lens that may help describe what such gatherings stir up, not as proof of causation. Also, alcohol or other substance use can sometimes contribute to behavioural problems, aggression or unsafe situations — if there is immediate danger, prioritise safety and contact local emergency or support services; some difficult experiences may lead people to seek support after the holidays.
A pause and a wish
So I invite you to pause for a moment amid the organising frenzy, breathe, and remember what all this is really for and how you want to feel at the end. From my heart, I wish you calm, mindful and warm holidays!