The Christmas Blues

Let's face it, sometimes Christmas is stressful. Sometimes it's not fun at all.

We are shown constant imagery of happy families, Santa Claus, and gift options galore, but is that the reality of Christmas for everyone? I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say... no.

This year, I went on an amazing birthday trip with my partner to Cancun, (shoutout to my fellow Sagittarius queens!) returning just in time for Christmas Eve dinner at his parent's place.

Yes, that's us on the jet-skis in Cancun!

While I had a fantabulous time on vacation and enjoyed family company this Christmas, something felt off. I found myself feeling a bit down, but it was hard to understand or describe the feeling. I had no reason to feel sad, and yet I did. All of the buildup over the last month leading up to all of these exciting celebrations, my birthday, the events to come... and poof! Just like that, it's back to my day-to-day life.

I didn't know about the Christmas Blues phenomenon until recently. It was in my research on "Vacation Blues" that I came across it. And while I know that it's completely normal to not be cheery all of the time, to see that there are many others who struggle with feelings of sadness, disappointment, or glum during this season (for a variety of reasons) makes me feel less alone.

I have a lot to be grateful for, and this year had many highs and lows for me. While I'm looking forward to next year, I'm hoping to take some time over the next few days to reflect on 2024. I don't necessarily believe in New Years Resolutions, I think you can make meaningful changes at any time of year, but I'd like to think about how I can make myself happier going into 2024, even if it takes awhile to set those habits and goals in motion.

I am wishing you all a wonderfully cozy Holiday Season! Let this serve as a reminder that your feelings are 100 percent valid, and that it's okay to not be okay sometimes.

-Gia