We all try too hard so make things perfect on social media.
How about we change things up this year and make it ok not to have the perfect Christmas?
#notmychristmas2021
For the longest time, I have struggled with Christmas.
Each year the hype starts earlier and earlier, and despite all that we have been through in the last 24 months, this year seems to be no different.
The perfect Instagram picture. Social media posts about visits to see Santa, Yuletide markets mulled wine, and matching outfits.
As long as it looks like we’re holding it together to the outside world then that’s what matters.
But that’s Bullshit.
Even as a teenager I struggled with the pressure and desires to reach perfection on that day. And now it feels like we have to be living up to the winter wonderland dream from November to January.
I wrote this blog 5 years ago about some of my personal struggles with the season and if anything it drowns me now even more.
So this year how about we all start getting honest and sharing what the season is really like.
Someone standing in a hot sweaty kitchen preparing a meal that no one wants as they’ve filled up on sweets, or not being able to give your kids a decent meal without relying on a food bank.
Kids bickering and tantrums as the pressures are all just too much for their young minds to cope with.
Meltdowns because of a change in routine or not comprehending someone’s choice of gift.
A last-minute dash to the shops for forgotten gifts, wrapping presents at midnight on Xmas eve, another year where you weren’t able to get a gift they truly deserved.
Getting into debt because we don’t want to let them down or spoil the magic of the season.
Missing loved ones that are no longer with us, missing your kids because it’s not your weekend and what about those who have to go to work that day. Or worse those that spend the season isolated
And let’s not even start with the bastard elf!
Please start sharing the reality behind that perfect photo and smile for the camera. Let’s start sharing that is ok to not have the perfect day because the reality is noones life is really that perfect.
So start sharing the reality of the season and take the pressure off #notmychristmas2021