Sorry Santa, I've Been Feral: Reclaiming the Holidays After a Rough Patch
The holidays. A time for twinkling lights, warm fireplaces, and the sweet scent of gingerbread. But what happens when the magic feels a little…muted? What if, instead of jingle bells, you're hearing the faint echo of "sorry Santa, I've been feral"? This isn't a judgment; it's an acknowledgement. Life gets messy, and sometimes, we stumble. This post is for those who've felt a little "feral" this year and want to find their way back to the holiday spirit – or at least a more peaceful version of it.
We all have moments (or maybe months!) where things get overwhelming. Maybe you’ve been struggling with work stress, relationship issues, or just the general chaos of modern life. The pressure to be perfectly festive can feel suffocating when you're already feeling stretched thin. It's okay to admit that this year has been different. It's okay to feel a little… feral.
What Does "Feral" Even Mean in This Context?
Before we dive in, let's clarify. "Feral," in this context, doesn't mean you've gone full-on wild child (unless you have, and that's okay too!). It means you've been prioritizing survival over perfection, and that's entirely understandable. It might mean you've neglected some holiday traditions, experienced emotional burnout, or simply haven't felt the usual festive cheer. It's about acknowledging that you're not where you want to be, and that's a perfectly valid starting point.
How to Reclaim the Holidays After Feeling Overwhelmed
So, you've admitted it – you've been feeling a bit "feral." Now what? Here are some steps to help you reclaim the holiday season, even if it's just a little bit at a time:
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Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step is to accept where you are. Don't beat yourself up for not feeling perfectly jolly. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions come up, whether it's sadness, anger, or exhaustion.
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Set Realistic Expectations: Forget the picture-perfect holiday Instagram feed. This year, it's about your well-being. Scale back on commitments, delegate tasks, and focus on what truly matters to you.
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Practice Self-Care: This is crucial. Make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This could include anything from taking a long bath to meditating to spending time in nature. Even small acts of self-care can make a big difference.
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Find Joy in Small Moments: Instead of striving for grand gestures, focus on the small moments of joy. A warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, a heartfelt conversation – these simple pleasures can bring a sense of peace and contentment.
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Connect with Loved Ones (on your terms): Spending time with loved ones can be incredibly restorative, but only if it feels good. Set boundaries, and don't feel pressured to attend every gathering. Prioritize quality time over quantity.
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Forgive Yourself: The holidays are about love and compassion, starting with yourself. Forgive yourself for not being "perfect," and remember that it's okay to be imperfect.
What if I Don't Feel Like Celebrating at All?
It's completely valid to feel like skipping the holidays altogether. If the thought of celebrating feels overwhelming or triggering, it's okay to take a break. Prioritize your mental health, and know that there's no pressure to conform to societal expectations. You deserve rest and self-compassion.
How Can I Make Next Year's Holidays Less Stressful?
Learning from this year's experience is key to a more peaceful future. Start planning early, set realistic budgets and expectations, delegate tasks, and schedule self-care into your calendar. Remember, you deserve a joyful holiday season – but it's okay to redefine what that looks like for you.
This holiday season, give yourself permission to be imperfect. "Sorry, Santa, I've been feral" is a perfectly acceptable confession. Now, let's focus on reclaiming the joy – on your terms.
