Overview
- Clinicians report that December often heightens internal tension because cultural norms expect visible cheer, which can clash with private realities.
- Common responses include avoiding decorations and carols, skipping gatherings, showing irritability or sadness, and criticizing excessive consumerism.
- Psychologists highlight unresolved losses, difficult memories, and strained relationships as frequent reasons the holiday feels more like an obligation than a celebration.
- Neuroscience perspectives note that heavy stimuli and ambiguous social demands can overload decision-making systems, increasing anxiety for sensitive individuals.
- Therapists recommend acknowledging emotions without guilt, setting limits at tense events, creating smaller or personalized rituals, and seeking professional support, with more people choosing to celebrate on their own terms or not at all.