The Skewed Meaning of Christmas: Has it Got You Down?

The Skewed Meaning of Christmas: Has it Got You Down?

 

You hear it every day this holiday season, “Don’t forget the true meaning.” I must say, in reference to Christmas, I do think many of us have forgotten the meaning. The media and retailers have such an influence over our society and consequently they have changed some of the meaning; even if we don’t agree with it.

We all know what Christmas really “means” but we still feel guilty for not buying our long lost Uncle Stanley a gift and spending $100 on Christmas Cards to send to people we haven’t talked to in 365 days and probably won’t talk to again for another 365 days. Many of us diminish our guilt by purchasing way too much for family, friends and coworkers only to find that we somehow ended up hurting ourselves, our bank account and our immediate family. It is not that we hate Christmas, rather the real meaning has somewhat changed and we have become a Grinch to this “skewed meaning” of Christmas. 

This holiday season, I have counseled and talked to several people that can’t wait for the season to be over. They want Jan 1 to come as quickly as possible. The season doesn’t only have a somewhat skewed meaning, but it is to the point where many people are dreading it altogether. Not good.  

So, if you are the person who is dreading the rest of the month because the meaning has been altered, here is how you can put a smile back on your face and enjoy the last 2.5 weeks:

1.       Go find your meaning!

Stop saying “the meaning is lost” and start changing the meaning back for you. If you feel that the new meaning has somehow crept into your life, get the old meaning back by reading the Bible, going to Church, relaxing alone or with family, helping out at a local community center, serve food, make something and deliver it to a neighbor; whatever will put peace and spirit back into your heart, do that. What does “the meaning” mean to you? Go do that.

2.       Don’t buy anything else.

 

Instead of giving in to the skewed meaning and buying more and more for the next 2 weeks, stop shopping for others and give only what you can or you feel is appropriate based on your meaning. Do not feel guilty for not running yourself dry financially or emotionally. Plus, the more you buy this year you may feel that you have to top yourself next year.

 

3.       Make amends.

One thing my papa always told me before he passed, “amends, amends.” For us, this meant, just forgive and move on. In the next two weeks, make amends. If you have any anger or haven’t spoken to someone that you care about and would like to have a relationship with again, bite your tongue and make amends. Being distant from those you love in any capacity can make you distant from the holiday spirit, too. By being closer with family during the time of the season where the true meaning was a lot about spending time with family, you may find the spirit a bit back in your heart.  

4.       Eat well.

These next few weeks don’t give in to all the cakes, pies and alcohol at work, holiday parties or events. Processed foods, junk foods and alcohol all contribute to a drop in your mood. Instead, eat healthy so that your serotonin is flowing and your mood is up.

5.       Exercise.

For the next 2.5 weeks don’t let the blue feeling you have regarding the lost meaning be the excuse as to why you cannot work out. Get up and get out. You need all the endorphins you can get to put you into a positive mood right now. Plus, the better you feel about yourself the more confident you are in your choices, your beliefs and your values. Three aspects to your life that will help you stick to your personal meaning of Christmas.

 

 

This week’s challenge: If the skewed meaning of Christmas has got you down, select two tips off the list above and implement them for the next 2.5 weeks. Try to relocate your meaning of Christmas and/or bring up your mood so you can enjoy the rest of the season.  

 

 Dr. Jaime Kulaga is a Certified Life Coach, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Motivational Speaker. She is the author of the upcoming book "The SuperWoman's Guide to Super Fulfillment: Step-by-Step Strategies to Create Work-Life Balance," to be published in March 2015. She is the inspirational founder of the nationally known SuperWoman Workshops. Dr. Kulaga has been featured internationally for her expertise in Work-Life Balance. http://www.mindfulrehab.com