The Christmas season is a joyful time for many, and most people are happy and excited, looking forward to Christmas Eve. We all work intensively, wanting to get all the “must-dos” done before the holiday break, both in our professional and personal lives. We dream of spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food and drinks during the time off. This is an idealized picture of how we want things to be, but it doesn’t always align with reality.
As humans, we often dwell on what we haven’t accomplished, why we haven’t succeeded in certain areas, and we constantly plan and live for the future, trying to achieve as much as possible in a short time. In many ways, this drive is positive, but it can hinder us from pausing in the present and reflecting on what we have actually achieved in recent times or over the past year. Life moves fast, and we are often caught up in dealing with the present and looking ahead. In this fast-paced environment, there’s a risk of losing focus on the progress and achievements we’ve already made.
Furthermore, we can be self-critical, focusing on what hasn’t been done or achieved rather than reflecting on the positive things we have already accomplished. Appreciating the small things is valuable, and it’s easy to forget and immediately strive for new goals and challenges. If we constantly seek new things, it can be difficult to pause and appreciate the achievements that have already occurred during the year.
Taking regular time to reflect on one’s accomplishments is important. We live and learn from past experiences, so it’s crucial to appreciate the progress that has already been made and not just think about what still needs to be done. Looking back on our achievements can provide a sense of satisfaction and serve as motivation for future goals.
In December, Christmas is celebrated, and there’s a lot to do—gifts, the final sprint at work, and other preparations. This month, there’s a heightened risk of performance pressure and consumption frenzy that is hard to avoid.
Performance Pressure – A larger portion of the Swedish population experiences increased stress and fatigue during the dark season, which can affect well-being. Christmas should be a fun and cozy time, but it can also be a strain for various reasons. The expectation that celebrations should be the same every year can create pressure from loved ones. Christmas doesn’t have to look the same every year; the most important thing is being together and having fun.
Consumption Frenzy – Everyone has different circumstances and may feel stressed about their finances when it comes to buying Christmas gifts. If someone is already behind on bills, it might be challenging to give their children the same gifts as their children’s friends or cousins. The competition among parents and relatives to give the nicest and most expensive gifts can also be a stressful and unhealthy aspect.
Some advice along the way to reduce Christmas stress both in the workplace and in your personal life
Maintain healthy routines – When we are on vacation, it’s common to deviate from our daily routines regarding exercise, diet, and rest. While this isn’t harmful, routines help us feel good and find balance. Even if you’re stressed, taking a walk to clear your mind can be helpful. Taking small breaks is healthy and enhances concentration.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed – The most stressed individuals are often those expected to handle most of the Christmas preparations. Even if you enjoy responsibility and are accustomed to it, it’s a good idea to share the workload so that more people are involved, reducing stress for those expected to do everything. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t hesitate to delegate tasks!
Try to have fun along the way – It’s easy to focus on all the “must-dos.” Try to think about how you want to celebrate Christmas; for most people, the purpose of Christmas is to spend time with loved ones.
Set reasonable expectations – If you notice that many of your employees are stressed, it’s good to discuss expectations and priorities regarding tasks. Prioritizing and daring to exclude tasks can be a challenge. However, it can have a positive impact on both long-term performance and well-being.
Decide within the family how you will handle Christmas gifts and celebrations – Agree on how much money you expect to spend on gifts for family members and children. It’s easy for gift-giving to become a competition within the family about who gave the nicest and most expensive gift, which is not healthy. The price tag on the gift doesn’t matter. Many also find it challenging to decide where to celebrate Christmas or other holidays. Proposing to alternate locations each year can be a solution.
