Inevitably it creeps up on us and then someone on the social networks announces "xxx days until Christmas!" The panic rises.
Towards the end of November photos start emerging on the social networks of nicely decorated trees and other Christmas decorations and ornaments. Why November? Will it get to the point where we start putting them up in October?
Once December arrives we are flooded everywhere with "Christmas Cheer". Trees are up, decorations adorning the neighbourhoods and shopping malls, Christmas parties are in full swing, gifts are being swapped, Carols and other Christmas music is piped through most buildings and many people are excited. Social network sites are ablaze with all kinds of Christmas messages.
I like Christmas. I'm not a religious person, so I just like the tradition of Christmas. I don't like the lead up to it, I never have. I could never work out why. And after Christmas comes that other thing - the new year - that also has an affect on my mood. My question has always been, "Why?"
Talking to my sister (also a HSP and Introvert) the other day, we were discussing how this time of year always seems to be the same for us. We were both lacking any excitement in the lead up. We were discussing the highs and lows of the lead up to Christmas Day, where we spend time together as a family and I said, "This time of year is 'Extrovert Heaven'". We both looked at each other right as I said that and had the same 'light bulb' moment. Christmas is NOT designed for Introverts!
So, if this time of year isn't for introverts, how does it stack up for HSP's? Perhaps for extroverted HSP's it might not be so bad, but for the introverted HSP's it's a complete nightmare! It's just right up in our faces. Televisions push it, radios push it, ads on the internet push it. There are sales, bargains, buy this and get free delivery. The noises of Christmas - songs, people, parties, excitement, laughter - all constantly bombarding us. The tinsel, baubles, snow (pretend or not), the glaring shop displays, twinkling lights, neon lights, it's all that "look at me" stuff in our faces. Our senses are bombarded with input to the point of distraction.
Christmas CAN be for everyone, it doesn't have to be just for extroverts. Introverts need to find better ways to "manage" it. Having this realisation that the explosive effect of this time of year has on me, I can now protect myself against it.
I generally shop for gifts and food at the times of the day/night where there are less people shopping, it's important for us introverts and HSP's to learn those times. I've only been going out when I have to and avoiding the bigger places. Usually mum would cook Christmas Dinner and it would make for a very stressful morning. Last year my sister and I did the cooking which changed the mood of the day completely. Everyone was so relaxed, mum didn't have to lift a finger and we had one of the best and most fun Christmas dinners ever. We laughed so hard we could barely breathe.
This year I've been doing most of my purchasing online which has been even better for me, though I will need to hit the shops for some things but I will pick my timing.
The important thing though for us introverts and HSP's is to adopt strategies to make this part of the year more 'user-friendly', we can survive it and enjoy it if we plan things our way and not be forced into doing things the extrovert way.
Once Christmas is over, there will be the lead up to New Year so it means another week of dodging the world but that's okay, I will take on board what I'm learning and apply it.
What tips can we share to help other introverts and HSP's get through this time of year?
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