I was listening to a radio call-in show the other day. The topic was “How is your holiday spirit?” Not surprisingly, most callers (and those who emailed in) said their Christmas spirit was low compared to other years. Some were hoping that once they put the tree up, that would change. Some said they were in the middle of renovations and hoped finishing them would help. Most said they couldn’t get into the Christmas spirit because the weather was too nice. And there’s no snow! This is very unusual for Saskatchewan at this time of the year. I know, climate change, but hey, if I can drive without spinning out of control at an intersection, I’m happy!
I agree with the callers. I don’t really feel the Christmas spirit yet. Do I like Christmas? Yes, although I prefer Thanksgiving. I did get little fuzzies of Christmas spirit starting in November, but they were replaced with the stress of the holiday season. I will probably feel “Christmasy” on Dec. 24, when it’s too late to do anything else. It’s tough being a people-pleaser at Christmas!
At this time of the year, you can read a zillion articles on how to avoid holiday stress. How to eat to beat stress, how to exercise to beat stress, and how to sleep to beat stress. You get the picture. But who has time to do those things? And this year, the topic trending the most is “How to Spend Less and Avoid Stress.” With our economy tanking and governments not having a clue what to do about it, the collective “we” are in bad financial shape. I just saw an article written about this time last year, and it stated that people were more stressed about the holidays than they were the previous year. They were worried about COVID, they were worried about not being able to find gifts, they were worried about rising costs and a potential recession, and they were worried about paying for holiday meals. This sounds like the same story we hear every year, other than the fear of COVID. The way I look at it, life is life, and you gotta do what you gotta do. It’s all about balance, and you need to know your limits, right? I’m not a huge spender at Christmas anyway, and this year I’m more concerned about the shortage of sugar!
Before I write a blog, I like to research the topic and how it relates to retired life. Holiday stress versus Christmas spirit for retirees does not seem to generate much discussion. There are posts about Christmas and older seniors, particularly those in care homes or those with dementia, and posts geared towards younger folk. There is not a lot (I don’t want to say there aren’t any because my sleuthing abilities may get challenged) of information for those of us in our sixties. How do we cope with the challenges of the holiday season?
My first Christmas as a retiree fell six months after I left my job. It was a strange one, as my family of five was just relieved that we were all healthy after suffering so much from COVID the previous Christmas. We were happy to be together and not opening gifts via Zoom. I can’t compare that holiday to others, as it was far from typical. I think things really change in terms of the holiday season once we retire. There are no work parties to attend, no constant supply of holiday treats to tempt you, and no worries about taking time off.
When you are retired, you have a fixed income, unless, of course, you have taken up some part-time work hours. Regardless, you know there will not be any overtime to help pay the bills that come in January. There may be a lot of expectations for you, time-wise. You’re retired, and you have lots of time, so you can travel, babysit, or do those last-minute tasks. I don’t know about you, but I am starting to really enjoy staying home with a good book or movie rather than going out to a party with people I don’t know well. I’m just not interested in making small talk. And then there’s the dilemma of what to wear. My retirement wardrobe is pretty basic and definitely doesn’t include any party dresses!
On the positive side, being retired means we have more time to get things done. We can take advantage of extended shopping hours. We can be home when those online packages arrive. We can go out for a Christmas coffee or lunch rather than do all the socializing after work. And since we don’t have to adhere to the 9-to-5 routine, we have more time to relax or recharge when things start to get a little crazy. We can binge-watch Hallmark Christmas movies. We aren’t in the public eye as much, so there isn’t the pressure to do things perfectly, although I admit I strive for that Norman Rockwell Christmas. What does this all mean? Well, we can buy the treats instead of making them. We can send a text or e-card rather than phoning or dropping in for a visit. We don’t need to spend money on a Christmas outfit. It’s OK. People will understand and admire you for doing things differently. If they don’t like it, take them off your Christmas list.
If you still feel that you are succumbing to the stress of the season, there are a lot of videos and podcasts that will help you burn some of that negativity off. Just Google holiday stress. Stick to your pre-holiday season routine. Enjoy the little treats you sneak in along the way. Most of all, remember, you are retired. You no longer get paid to be stressed out. You left that behind when you left work. Or, you can just shrug your shoulders and say, “What the hell! I’m going to do it my way.”
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Interesting Reads & Things
How to Relieve Holiday Stress | U.S. News (usnews.com)
Surviving Holiday Stress – Therapeutic Drive-Thru – YouTube
Holiday de-stress stretches | 30 second static holds for seniors, beginners | No twisting – YouTube
Seated Chair Stretches for Adults 50+ | Stretch for Seniors | Relaxing Stretches – YouTube
Holiday Stress on Seniors: What Can You Do to Help? – YouTube
Retired couple lights up Forest Grove for Christmas – 100 Mile Free Press
Wanderings Art 