16 Days of Christmas: Distance from extended family, financial stress can boost holiday stress

As the holidays approach, there’s no doubt that many people are experiencing a handful of different emotions. While some are filled with joy, others are finding it more challenging to get into the Christmas spirit.

High schoolers transition from letting go of childhood to entering what will soon be the struggles brought by adulthood. Now, students are more awakened to the reality of holiday celebrations.

Celebrations such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, for some, don’t feel the same anymore. They hold a more solemn feeling compared to how they did when students were younger.

From family situations to financial issues, some students all over the nation struggle during the holiday season. This has gotten significantly worse during the Covid years.

Tough family situations can be a big issue regarding the holidays. Seeing so many others spending time with family and sharing love and joy could make a person wish they could have the same experiences. It can take a toll on a person, contributing to things such as seasonal depression. 

Families that are separated across the country and are economically struggling often don’t have enough resources to be able to visit each other, especially with current flight prices during the high-demand season. It takes a certain type of resiliency to be able to get through the holidays while dealing with these stress factors at the same time.

It is important for families struggling with not being able to physically connect to remember that while they might not be able to see each other in person, the internet can make it easier to communicate and make the best out of their situation.  

Another cause of stress can be the financial side of things. While Christmas is associated with gifts and the act of giving to symbolize a person’s affection, modern society has become more materialistic, with people too often caring more about the gifts they’re getting – and forgetting about the true meaning of this holiday, which should be spending time with one’s loved ones. 

If people put a little more effort into celebrating the holidays as a community and drifted from the idea of receiving instead of giving, the holidays would be more enjoyable, and more people would actually appreciate the meaning of true Christmas.