The approach of Christmas is a time of joy for many, but not always for some people.
“It’s hard for some people because Christmas is supposed to be a time of celebration,” said Geneviève Desrochers, spokesperson for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
The CMHA recognizes that the holiday season can be a hard time for some people who may face financial hardships that have them trying to decide whether they can afford gifts even for their family. So the social service agency offers some advice on how to have a stress-free holiday season without having to be alone or go into debt.
“There are simple ways to give without having to cost much money,” said Desrochers.
One way to help get back into the holiday spirit when times are tough is to revive an old tradition of creating homemade gifts for family and friends. These kind of gifts take advantage of the giver’s own special skills in baking, sewing, knitting, painting, drawing, handicrafts, woodwork, photography, and many other creative abilities. They also offer a more personal touch to gift-giving and result in something others will treasure even more because the gift comes from the heart of the giver.
Another gift that anyone can offer is “the gift of time” for a family member or friend who may be facing their own holiday stress or the simple stress of having so much to do from day to day that they have no time for themselves.
An offer to babysit so that someone can deal with something else or even spend an evening relaxing, watching the house or looking after a pet so that a friend can enjoy a family holiday reunion trip, are two possibilities for a “gift of time”. Offering to help with some shopping trip needs can relieve stress.
One gift idea that Desrochers noted is a wonderful surprise for many is a “coupon book” that includes offers for services like home-cooked meals, massages, help with household chores or projects, and any other idea for a “gift of time” that someone might need.
“Those gifts of time are priceless,” Desrochers said.
Another idea for stress-free gift-giving is giving group gifts that the whole family can enjoy, or organizing a “Secret Santa” project for a group gift exchange with a set maximum price for gifts so that everyone is not faced with having to buy something for everyone. A “Secret Santa” project can also provide fun for everyone in trying to guess who their Secret Santa is.
Setting boundaries for oneself can also help reduce the stress of the holiday season. Instead of trying to do everything so that everyone else has fun, try co-hosting a gathering so that the responsibility for things like a venue, a menu, and activities is shared. Also set some boundaries on topics for everyone to avoid during these gatherings to prevent stressful situations from erupting.
Set boundaries on personal behaviour during the holiday season and avoid overeating or drinking too much, or spending too much money, whether for decorations or gifts. The regret that follows ruins what is meant to be a happy time.
For those who may be on their own for some reason, during the holiday or still feeling stressed or depressed, the CMHA recommends either phoning or texting 211 for a free and confidential service to help people connect with the essential social and community support they need. Anyone in extreme mental or emotional distress can call 988 for the mental health and suicide prevention hotline. There is always someone there ready to listen. The CMHA offers advice and help with mental health service needs at its website at www.cmha-east.on.ca or toll-free by phone to 1-800-493-8271.
