Non-Depressing December: How To Create A Calm Holiday Season For Your Mind In A Busy World

Yes, I know – it's December, it's grey, vitamin D levels are dropping and moments filled with true joy are becoming increasingly rare. I wonder if this is due to the current cold season and the lack of sunshine, or if it has more to do with the fact that the world – with all the things and events that are happening right now – is becoming increasingly difficult to digest or endure. When you also have a diagnosed mental illness, as in my case, happiness and joy feel even further away. I'm not saying that people who don't struggle with mental health (I mean, who has remained completely mentally resistant to all the things that are happening in this world?) have it easier in general – but I would always appeal for general awareness and the healthiest possible interpersonal relationships. Due to generational factors, our generation as a whole is more concerned with the topic of mental health or mental illness than previous ones. At the same time, I firmly believe in exchange or discourse between generations, for example within family relationships or at the workplace.

In my opinion, mental health is an even more pressing issue during the Christmas season – somehow, pre-Christmas activities, the whole Christmas gift rush, capitalism and the inner pressure to enjoy the (pre-) holiday season or get along with family members at all costs seem surreal – especially with permanent world-weariness, a Western worldview and first-world problems that are simply overwhelming – let's be honest. I briefly looked at a few reels on Instagram – Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine – oh, my own worries seem so small in comparison. And yet we should listen to ourselves and be aware of our needs.

Well, so much for that – I've been thinking a lot lately about how to brighten up rainy weekends or evenings during the week. I must say that I am someone who strongly believes in the credo "outer order – inner order". So, I started by putting together a little mood board or a list of things I'd like to change in the flat I share with my partner, as well as a few projects I'd like to tackle – with no deadline and no pressure. We don't need any more scheduling, etc. We've set up a little reading corner in our living room, but quite a few things, documents and so on have accumulated on two or three shelves. Over several days (which were not consecutive), I tackled one section at a time: sorting everything, tidying up and, above all, clearing out. I'm quite good at letting go of things – how about you? After that, I tidied up and reorganised our storage room, which was long overdue.

The results were more than satisfactory, and the feeling of order, structure and clarity is simply overwhelming and really lifts the spirits. I really took my time and at the same time, I didn't lose motivation to complete these home projects. After the whole tidying-up-operation, I also found our Christmas decorations again and hung up at least a few small decorations – it felt good, and fairy lights, glittering accessories and candlelight are simply beautiful to look at. If you are lucky enough (and somehow also privileged) to have a beautiful home, why not make it even more beautiful so that you can feel completely at ease?

In addition to Christmas decorations, I also found long-forgotten craft supplies: paints, (photo-) collage materials, crochet wool, postcards, stickers and much more. I've now put these in a visible area in the living room and refer back to them from time to time – it's not the result that counts, but the process and simply getting started. Sure, binge-watching Netflix, for e.g. is nice – but not all the time, right? Music also plays a very important role for me here – apart from my all-time favourite Lo-Fi playlists, I also enjoy putting together playlists for different moods/activities such as tidying up, etc. – that counts as a leisure activity, too, doesn't it?

And if you don't want to or can't keep yourself busy all on your own, there's always the option of meeting up with friends at someone's house and organising creative, games or reading evenings. Just bring your projects with you and have a get-together – no pressure, no obligations. It'll feel good, believe me. Of course, the question of cost is always an issue – but if I've learned one thing in the last two years, it's that there are lots of options/activities/opportunities available for free or at low cost. This alleviates any negative thoughts and breaks down barriers.

If you still feel like going outside despite the cold or rainy weather, there are also free and informal events you can attend. I regularly go to clothes-swapping parties (even on my own). I check out event programmes from various cultural centres, clubs or cultural institutions and often find something I like. Have a look for events in your city and google keywords such as "free events in my city" or find a list of socially oriented institutions.

This is not meant to be a guide, but rather my experiences that I would like to share. Perhaps there is something here for you, and if not, that is perfectly fine. At least, I will leave my playlist here for you to listen to!