To some, the festive Christmas season can be the saddest part of the year.

Shorter daylight, colder temperatures, and gloomy weather trigger the blues: a phenomenon scientifically known as major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, or seasonal affective disorder.

Additionally, trying to keep up with the holiday rush, and the pressure to live up to certain holiday traditions such as giving gifts, partying, or organizing family reunions can be stressful.

While Christmas is said to be a season of giving and selflessness, there is absolutely nothing wrong in saving some love for self-care.

So here are tips that might help in bringing more peace of mind and peace on Earth this season:

Plan ahead, even your rest days. Take advantage of the holidays for that well deserved sleep and relaxation. Remember, even God had to take a day off, according to the Bible.
Learn to say no. It is not a sin to do so. Although, to many Pinoys, this is a lifetime work in progress, and the work is usually put on hold during the Christmas season. Pasko naman, pagbigyan na,” “Ngayon lang naman,” are how we justify the compromises we later regret making. The next thing we know, our energy is drained and we blame the people around us for zapping this precious energy. It is okay to say no, but remember to say it nicely.
Learn to take no for an answer and let go. Huwag magtampo. On the other side of the fence are those who wouldn’t take no for an answer in obliging someone into joining some silly parlor game, or whatever else that needs other people’s participation. Being forced to do something is stressful. Sometimes, the best gift you can give is letting people be; people have different ways of being merry.

And with that, may we all have a meaningful yuletide season!

Do share what you think. Got more tips for dealing with the holiday blues? Drop us a comment or share away with your own caption.

About the Author:

Tricia Zafra is as a news Executive Producer for CNN Philippines. Formerly a Communications Officer in Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders), she spent 11 years working as a television news reporter and anchor in one of the major news networks in the Philippines. Tricia graduated with her Master’s in Psychology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman in 2019.