The sights, sounds, and advertisements of the holiday season have arrived, whether or not we’re prepared for them. Millions of shoppers are out there taking advantage of “Black Friday” sales that began even before the Thanksgiving feast had concluded.
Like many, I often find this time of year challenging. With family gatherings becoming less frequent due to distance and time, rampant consumerism, financial constraints, and a touch of seasonal melancholy, I sometimes wish we could fast forward to January 2.
This year, there won’t be a large family dinner, and Christmas gifts may be few or nonexistent. Financial difficulties have made the holidays feel less festive, regardless of the date on the calendar. While I’ve never harbored resentment over not having money for material possessions, I do find it frustrating to witness the obsession others have with them.
I understand the pressure to buy gifts, indulge in foods that leave us feeling unwell, and navigate family gatherings with people we may not want to spend much time with. However, when we find ourselves in a situation where those options are limited, we often learn an important lesson: to focus on gratitude instead of bitterness.
This time of year compels me to distance myself from certain online content and television shows. I can’t bear to watch footage of Black Friday shoppers, frantically battling for discounts on electronics and other items, and then witness the calm of Christmas Day when everyone is home with their families, only for the frenzy to resume on December 26 for post-holiday sales. It’s as if for some, Christmas becomes a mere blip, failing to fill the void they feel.
As a child, I experienced the holidays as a magical time devoid of worries, filled with wonder. I recognize that it’s different for parents who strive to maintain that magic for their children. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by my large Polish family, where the holidays meant crowded tables brimming with food and lively conversation. While some gifts may linger in my memory, it’s the experiences we shared that truly define those times.
This year, in response to the ubiquitous Black Friday ads and the complaints about holiday stress, I’ll try to refrain from rolling my eyes. Instead, when someone voices their burden over gift-giving, I might gently remind them to connect with the reason they’re shopping for that person and how they want their loved one to feel when they unwrap their gifts. Rather than rushing from one obligation to another, I’ll encourage them to pause and soak in the sights and scents of the season. Maybe they could ask themselves, “What memories do I want to create?” If they have children, they might consider, “What do I want them to remember?”
Even though this season can be difficult for various reasons, and some experiences are unavoidable — like quirky family jokes or those Lexus “December to Remember” commercials — there are elements we can control. We can focus on gratitude for what we have and strive to make memories worth keeping.
Let the season commence!
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Summary
The holiday season can often feel overwhelming due to consumerism, family dynamics, and personal challenges. Emphasizing gratitude, creating meaningful memories, and connecting with loved ones can help shift the focus away from materialism. Instead of succumbing to the chaos, it’s important to cherish the experiences that truly matter.