The Mood Shift Of The Holidays | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Mood Shift Of The Holidays

Is holiday joy only temporary?

21
The Mood Shift Of The Holidays
Switchboard Miami

It's that time of year again, the time when Christmas music began playing over a month ago on nearly 75% of all radio stations. The time when people stand outside of businesses ringing bells and asking for donations to help children in need. The time when holiday specials begin streaming online and on television, and when stores and malls across the globe become hectic with shoppers striving to find that perfect gift for each of the people on their lists. The time when children fall asleep with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads and of Santa Claus riding his sleigh throughout the night sky while guided by eight tiny reindeer, with Rudolph leading the way of course. The time of year when traffic is hell on wheels and it takes hours to get somewhere that is not even a complete hour away because everybody and their grandmother is out on the highway to go visit family or for last minute shopping. The time when more wrecks occur and more DUIs are processed. The time when depression sets in and suicide is at an all time high. As you grow older, you soon realize that this is the time when joy is temporary.

So maybe Christmas is your favourite holiday and you're one of those people who get into the spirit as soon as the Christmas tunes begin playing. Cool, that's great. Your spirits are high because it's "the most wonderful time of the year." And honestly it is, but I've noticed over the years of growing up that this feeling is temporary. Once Thanksgiving is over, (nearly) everyone turns into this more cheerful, kind-spirited, Christmas-loving...I don't want to say "monster," but...well...it's this new persona that just takes over and (most of the time) it's for the better. People (who don't normally say anything to anyone) are more likely to speak to you, people donate more especially to Toys for Tots, people are in a more giving mood and it reflects on their attitude whether they say anything or don't. It's a crazy thing, it's as though an airborne virus has hit and infects everyone for the better. But, alas, after Christmas is over what happens? Everyone goes back to being the same as before. The negativity comes back. (Some) people go back to not speaking, to being rude, and just aren't the same as their December personas. Now I say some people, not all people are like this. But watch, just observe social media and the people you see on a day-to-day basis. Just watch the change, you'll see it.

But what about the negativity? The holidays can be a sad and an extremely stressful time, and honestly I think that's why Christmas is not my most favourite holiday. It's a wonderful idea, but going into the holidays each year I lose something. I lose more and more of that excitement, that joy of Christmastime and the holidays. I love Christmas lights, New Year's, the fireworks and all. It's beautiful and captivating.

Perhaps it's lost because I live in the southeast where our Christmas weather is anything but Christmassy... Or maybe it's because I'm not a child anymore and no longer have that dream fantasy of Christmas and snow and Santa and the North Pole... Or perhaps because I don't have any children of my own yet to create the Christmas dreamworld for them and strive to make them love the holiday just as much as most of the earth's population. Or even because Christmas just isn't my absolute favourite holiday; Halloween is. Or maybe because I'm at that age where I have my own long list of people to shop for which makes my bank account cringe. Whatever the reason, this year I'm not feeling it.

But, honestly, holidays are supposed to be about family and spending time with those you don't see as often. I don't really have that. More often than not, other than spending time with my parents (and demonic little brother), my maternal grandparents and my maternal aunts and uncles, I spend most of the holidays with my friends and my boyfriend and their families. I don't really have that hectic holiday schedule over which day and time to have Christmas with these family members and which day is for the others and so on and so on with planning and scheduling. I mean, I guess it's good that it's not crazily hectic and rushed, but still I often wonder what it would be like. We used to have that, but things happen you know? And maybe that's partly the reason for my holiday non-excitement. I mean, yeah maybe that'll all change one day when I have a family of my own. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, I enjoy my holiday, but sometimes I just can't help but wonder if that helps people get into this super holiday spirit.

Whatever the reason, if you're not really feeling this holiday season, I'm right there with ya. Maybe it's just all a part of growing up and getting older. Who knows?


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1843
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1126
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200338
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20969
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments