Words by Ryan Oxley
As the firework displays fizzle out and the embers of bonfires turn to ashes, my thoughts turn to what is, for me, the worst time of the year: Christmas.
For some, it’s "the most wonderful time of the year", while for others like me, it’s a period marked by stress, anxiety, and an utter dislike, make that disdain, for this awful tinsel fuelled festival of crap. There are many reasons why Christmas makes me feel less joyful and more burdensome, from the pressures of consumerism to the emotional toll of social expectations. Here’s why Christmas, a seemingly cheerful holiday, fills me with insipid dread.
First and foremost, Christmas is inextricably linked to commercialism. Let's not pretend this is a season of anything but. The holiday is promoted as a time of giving, yet this “giving” often translates into excessive shopping, overspending, and an overwhelming focus on material goods. Every shop is stocked with holiday merchandise by October, and sales, ads, and jingles urging people to buy and buy more permeate every corner of public life. For many, this overt consumerism turns the holiday into a financial burden. Christmas loses its meaning when it becomes more about flashy gifts than genuine connection, leaving some feeling that their worth is tied to what they can buy rather than the love they can share. It’s hard to feel any holiday spirit when the season seems more dedicated to corporate profits than religious goodwill. I'm not religious either which just adds to the ad nauseam.
Then there’s the societal pressure to be constantly joyous and social. Christmas can feel like a relentless marathon of social gatherings, office parties, family dinners, and community events. The expectation is that everyone must feel festive, participate in traditions, and engage in cheerful celebrations, regardless of personal circumstances. But not everyone can easily summon holiday cheer. For those (like me) who are introverted, struggle with social anxiety, or simply don’t enjoy crowds (people or relatives), the endless social events and gatherings can feel exhausting and invasive. The pressure to "enjoy the season" creates a burden of emotional labour that feels forced and can even lead to guilt when one doesn’t feel festive.
Family dynamics during the holiday season add another layer of complexity. Christmas is often painted as a time of family togetherness, but that idealized image doesn't always align with reality. For me, family gatherings can be strained, bringing unresolved conflicts, tension, and uncomfortable interactions to the surface. Dysfunctional family relationships can feel amplified under the guise of “holiday togetherness,” making spending time with family seem more like an obligation than a celebration. And for those who have lost loved ones, Christmas can be a reminder of absence rather than togetherness, highlighting feelings of loneliness and grief. Rather than feeling surrounded by love, people may feel isolated and disconnected during the holidays.
The Christmas demand on time and energy can also be overwhelming: holiday events, decorating, gift wrapping, cooking, and hosting can take a toll, especially on those who shoulder most of the responsibility. There’s a myth that Christmas should be a “magical” time, but the reality is that creating magic requires a lot of work. Those tasked with making Christmas “perfect” often feel undervalued and exhausted, struggling to find their joy in the process.
For those who don’t observe Christmas due to different religious beliefs or cultural backgrounds, the holiday season can feel like a time of exclusion. Christmas dominates public spaces, media, and social conversations, often sidelining other winter traditions. For these individuals, the holiday can feel intrusive, a constant reminder of being different or feeling outside the mainstream.
Ultimately, Christmas can seem like a paradox: a season dedicated to joy, yet rife with stressors that can make it difficult to enjoy. For me, it’s a period I’d rather skip, looking forward to Jools Holland, the countdown clock, and the blank page of a new year. It’s important to remember then, despite societal pressures, no one is obligated to feel festive— and if anything like me, dress the dread up in nonchalant dismissal and ignore the sorry farce altogether. Why Do I Hate Christmas? Read All Of The Above.
And... I've not even mentioned the god-awful music - I'll save that for another post.
www.ryanoxleywriter.blogspot.com
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