When the holiday season rolls around, it’s often heralded as the most enchanting time of the year. However, for many women, it becomes a chaotic whirlwind of stress and anxiety. If you’re a woman or identify as female, you likely understand the unique pressures that accompany this time of year.
A recent study conducted by Mt. Sinai Hospital in Long Island, NY, revealed that women under 50 experience the highest levels of stress during the holidays. This is not surprising, considering that many of these women juggle jobs, family responsibilities, and the expectations that come with planning festive celebrations. The survey indicated that stressors like family dynamics and financial concerns are prevalent, but it’s the cumulative weight of holiday tasks that truly takes a toll.
According to the hospital’s findings, 61% of women reported using exercise as a coping mechanism, while 54% turned to friends to vent about their holiday-related stress. Alarmingly, about one in five women under 50 resort to alcohol or drugs to manage their feelings during this season. The reality is that women often take on the roles of gift buyers, decorators, meal planners, and more. We’re the ones who bring the holiday spirit to life, yet the burden can feel excessive.
In many households, the invisible labor falls disproportionately on women. From ensuring the kids have supplies for school parties to coordinating holiday travel plans, we handle it all, often without recognition. We try to create memorable experiences while sticking to tight budgets, stretching every dollar to make the season feel abundant, even when our finances are strained.
As I reflect on my family’s own holiday traditions, which include both Christmas and Chanukah, I find myself feeling overwhelmed every December. Despite our efforts to keep things simple—setting up a small tree and buying gifts primarily for our children and a few loved ones—the pressure to manage everything can be daunting. Extra gifts for last-minute guests and coordinating multiple celebrations add layers of stress that feel never-ending.
This is compounded by the demands of being a working mother, as I scramble to finish my work projects before the kids’ school break. The very time I’m trying to be festive is also when I’m under the most pressure to perform at work and manage holiday preparations. It’s exhausting and takes a toll on my mental wellbeing.
While my partner, Mark, does his part by caring for the kids and helping where he can, he doesn’t necessarily have the same understanding of the myriad tasks that need attention. We’re working on sharing the mental load more evenly, but I often find myself waiting for that moment of relief until the New Year arrives.
It’s essential to recognize that the magic of the holidays relies heavily on women’s efforts. This season, let’s appreciate the women in our lives for all they do, and let’s also take a moment to acknowledge our own contributions. After all, it’s time we gave ourselves a well-deserved break, perhaps a long, peaceful nap amid the festivities.
For more insights on managing stress during this time, check out our post on substance use and its impact during the holidays here. Additionally, if you’re interested in learning about infant CPR, visit this link. For those exploring pregnancy options, this resource is an excellent guide.
In summary, the holiday season can be particularly taxing for women, who often bear the brunt of the preparation and planning involved. Acknowledging this burden and sharing responsibilities can help alleviate some of the stress and allow everyone to enjoy the magic of the season.