This is also my most difficult time of the year. My family is a big part of it but mostly its because of all the food and travel for me. I have a fear of vomiting (emetophobia) so this time of year with all the food is torture. My anxiety skyrockets. This is actually my favorite time of year and my most dreaded time of year. I find myself praying for January...or at least December 26th.

I hope you find peace soon...long before January 1st. :-)

I do not like the holidays, and prefer to ignore them, but it's not easy when everywhere I look reminds me of the "season of happiness", aka, for me, the "season of dysfunction". The crowds, the noise, the hustle.... they are not for me. Moved a thousand miles from my dysfunctional family, so I see them very little, and NEVER over the holidays. They are happy enough with cards, and I am happier without the family. I would rather be alone than have to lie to them (and myself) and try to make everything ok.

I find joy in the simple things, like a walk through the woods on a snow-covered morning, where they know joy only as an expensive item that could be purchased: many seem to have forgotten the reason for the celebrations. .

I cannot stand the holidays. There's too much pressure to buy gifts, put up useless decorations, fake happiness, etc. the past few years, I just haven't been into the holiday thing. It's all fake to me. The same people who are so thankful through November are the same people who are beating each other up to get the best deal on Black Friday!

I know about putting on the face.

This is a hard time for me too. I work retail, so I have to 'pretend' a lot too. I'm new to the site but I'm trying to take comfort in the fact that I can be myself here.

I hope you're feeling better by the time you read this. Hold onto what's real.

I know right?! Hard to believe that Christmas was always this stressful. Traffic alone is enough to make you wanna scream. Thanks guys for the kind words and encouragement. Yall are great

Christmas is tough on me too. I love watching my kids faces on Christmas morning. I don't like all the preparations. I also don't like all the huge events that you are expected to attend. I am trying to put together a small party this year so my kids can spend some time with friends. I hope I can do it.

Keep the holidays real and in perspective. To some, the holiday is just another day, but to others, the joy of the holidays make this the best time of the year. But what joy is there in fighting over "bargains" or holiday meals, like children fighting over the wishbone? Why is does the season culminate in only one day of celebration? Why not make everyday a celebration as the holidays intended (without the gifts or travel, of course), full of love and warmth for fellow human beings? Each day can be a holy-day...Christmas doesn't have to be anxiety-producing.

I'm glad to see I'm not alone. It's just too much. I get stressed over trying to figure plans, presents, all the hustle and bustle. My boyfriend can't understand and gets mad at me for saying I'm stressed....but my mind races with all the things to do.