Finding glimmers during the festive period

Sometimes Christmas can feel overwhelming, can’t it?

From Christmas Eve boxes to elves on shelves, matching pyjamas to themed bedding, festive plates and more – every year, there’s a new ‘tradition’ to add to the list. The social media narrative can make you feel that unless you do it all, your loved ones will be missing out.

The risk of Christmas burnout

Comparing ourselves to others – whether it’s friends and family, influencers, or the John Lewis advert – can leave you feeling deflated and inadequate. It’s easy to see why we put pressure on ourselves to create the best Christmas yet, but it’s important to realise that taking on too much, whether financially or emotionally, can lead to burnout.

That’s why it’s important to remember that when we focus on doing everything and having everything, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. The truth is, Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect. There’s no need for it to be filled with never-ending to-do lists and grand gestures. It doesn’t need five types of potatoes, a professionally crafted centrepiece, or a precarious pile of gifts wrapped in matching paper as tall as the tree.

To us, the best thing about Christmas is that it doesn’t have to look or go a certain way. You don’t need to follow every tradition or buy every “must-have” item. Instead, look for the festive glimmers.

What is a glimmer?

Glimmers are the opposite of triggers, small moments where you can feel gratitude and joy. Glimmers happen when our nervous system is grounded, and they release positive energy and contribute to our overall wellbeing. They can be anything from feeling snowflakes on your face, to a cup of your favourite coffee, a cuddle with a pet, a breath of fresh air, or a much-needed hug from a loved one.

Create your own sparkle

Obviously, that’s easy to say. But when you feel like you’re drowning under the pressure and the need to compete with grand gestures and expensive days out, it can be difficult to see the wood for the (Christmas) trees and remember the little things that are enjoyable.

With that in mind, here are some low-effort traditions that can become regular Christmas glimmers:

• Enjoy the lights: Pick a crisp, cold night to wrap up warm and wander through your local town or village. Christmas lights and decorations are the perfect way to lift your mood. Add a hot chocolate – with Baileys for the adults – and you’re winning!

• It’s the thought that counts: Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean expensive. Something handmade or a silly gift that you know will make someone laugh will mean more than spending for the sake of spending. Share your plan with friends and family – it might relieve some pressure for them too.

• Christmas films: We defy anyone to say they don’t have a favourite Christmas film. Whether it’s Elf, The Snowman, or The Holiday, chill out over the Christmas period and enjoy the ease of this tradition.

• Let others help: Cooking the entire meal yourself doesn’t make it taste better, but getting others to pitch in does. Get everyone involved, and we guarantee they’ll take pride in the bit they’re in charge of. From folding napkins or setting the table to peeling potatoes or bringing the pigs in blankets, there’s a job for everyone, no matter how big or small.

Be more Elsa

The most important thing to help you enjoy the Christmas period is to let (the small stuff) go. However, if you’re finding it hard to take a step back and are still feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, or on the edge of burnout, it might be worth talking about how you’re feeling. If you’re not comfortable speaking to a friend or loved one, one of our experienced Fortis therapists might be able to help. Find out more here.