Financial Anxiety and the Holidays
It’s that time of year again where folks are looking to make the perfect holiday for their families and themselves. Plans are being made as to what to eat and drink and what presents to buy for whom. It all sounds idyllic doesn’t it? Well for many people in the pursuit of this ideal money is spent which does not exist.
The constant pressure being put on people to spend, spend, spend is becoming overwhelming for most. Since the UK has adopted “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday”, events which are only relevant (albeit misguided) in the US, spending becomes almost at a frenzy. People believe that this spending will in some way make them happy, which sadly it will not as a rule.
Additionally, this pressure to buy can lead to issues with self esteem, for example if I do not get X people will think less of me. This of course might be true, but in the end should it matter. Psychologically speaking no, but when so much self worth is associated with what we have or don’t have, is it any wonder that people struggle at this time of year.
Perhaps, it might help to remember that the holiday season (Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa) are meant to be festivals of light and love. Light and love does not need expensive gifts they need love and friendship.
