Holiday traditions help strengthen familial bonds and are passed down from generation to generation — But some traditions just create unnecessary stress and tension. If you find yourself dreading the thought of celebrating the holidays because of certain traditions you have to partake in – this list is for you. So, without further ado, let’s take a deeper dive into 11 traditions that make the holidays worse.
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Gift Exchange Traditions
Many families make exchanging presents a holiday ritual. But this is a tradition that can cause a lot of tension and pressure. Most people feel pressured to buy a good or thoughtful gift for everyone. Finding the right present can be stressful, especially when the budget is tight. Instead of sharing happiness – this tradition of exchanging gifts can feel like a heavy burden.
Elaborate Holiday Feasts
It is common for many families to prepare a big meal for a holiday. This tradition commonly calls for a lot of planning and cooking. Many believe that they need to cook several dishes all from scratch or try complicated recipes. The end result is exhaustion – Instead of enjoying the gathering with friends and family, you might be overwhelmed with work.
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Family Game Night
Family game nights can be a nice little tradition. At the same time, family games can be stressful. If you’re a competitive family, you might all argue and end up having fights. Family disagreements can make what is meant to be a nice evening hell. You will end up feeling frustrated and angry.
Caroling and Singing
Singing holiday songs is a tradition in many families. But not all enjoy singing in front of others. The pressure to participate can make some people uncomfortable. They may feel unpleasant being forced to sing out unrehearsed holiday songs. This can take away from the holiday spirit.
Family Photo Sessions
Taking family photos during the holidays is a popular tradition. But this can be stressful. It involves loads of work like getting everyone’s outfit just right, making sure that the kids are well behaved and ready for the picture. Rather than enjoy the moments bonded with family, people often become frustrated with the chaos.
Holiday Parties
Many families host or attend holiday parties. These can be fun, but they often come with stress. You might be invited to many parties — and it might be hard to juggle all of them. When it is your turn to host the party, you feel the pressure to organize perfectly with a perfect menu & decorations — plus make small talk with unfamiliar people. When the holidays are over, you are more likely to feel exhausted from all these parties.
Advent Calendar Rituals
Many families, these days, have an advent calendar counting up to the festive holidays. These consist of a series of activities or treats for each day leading up to Christmas Eve. Although it can be thrilling for children — it can be stressful for adults, especially when it comes to maintaining an elaborate calendar during the busy times. The pressure can sometimes get in the way of enjoying anything.
New Year’s Resolutions
People often set themselves goals for the new year. There are some advantages and disadvantages to this. Often, we set a lot of goals but we cannot meet them. This is why setting goals can create stress and disappointment. Setting high expectations can also create pressure to change quickly.
Attending Religious Services
Many families attend religious services during the holidays. For example, Christians attend Church during Christmas holidays. This can be a lovely tradition, but for some, it can be a source of holiday anxiety. The pressure to attend religious services can be tough for those who don’t feel connected to religion. Balancing personal beliefs with family expectations can create tension.
Secret Santa or White Elephant Exchanges
Taking part in Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchanges can be fun. But it also comes with stress. The pressure to find the perfect gift can be intense. You might worry about receiving something you don’t want. This tradition can turn into a source of anxiety, instead of being enjoyable.
Sending Holiday Newsletters
For some families, issuing holiday newsletters is a cherished tradition. It’s a way of staying in touch with scattered friends and relatives from holiday to holiday. Writing the perfect letter, finding the right tone and making sure it’s not too long or too short — can feel like a lot of pressure. Some even try to make their year sound more exciting or impressive than it actually was. In the end, it can turn into a stressful writing project.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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