December feels to me like a drawing in. The nights are shorter, people get together, and stay in together too. It feels like a kinder month, although I don’t think spending time with loved ones, eating what you like, and giving should be reserved for December. I don’t think we should run around, stressing ourselves about the small details involved in Christmas traditions. It feels like a season of appearances. I remember dreading Christmas day, and the days following that, when I was younger, forced to stay indoors, watch films together as a family, and visit relatives. It set my anxiety off. Now I’m an adult I don’t really join in with Christmas and festivities. It’s nice to have a few days of reprieve. More time for reading! It would be easy to say if your mental health suffers at this time of year choose to not go to many social gatherings, or to not visit toxic family members, but sometimes we don’t feel we do have a choice, so that doesn’t work for everyone.
What are your plans for December?
