Be Aware of How Much Debt

I find it so perplexing that people take on so much debt to celebrate the holiday season. The debt is multi-layered, it’s financial and emotional.

On the financial side, ask yourself whether that expensive gift is the best expression of your love and caring? Do things we buy really express the tenderness we feel towards others? If you can afford it and want to buy something that someone else would appreciate, wonderful, go for it. What worries me is spending on credit in order to fulfil social obligations. The stress of paying it back debt can have a tangible impact on your health.

Let’s challenge the social construct that requires everybody to show up with presents, often that people don’t need. The reality in our culture is that the actual need for things is relatively low. The true need is for connection and presence.

Broaden the possibilities for giving. You can give time to help somebody. You can give something that you make. I have a friend who loves baking, she gifts everybody a holiday box of her special cookies which feels much more personal than anything she could buy.

As far as emotional debt, I’m talking about the ten gathering that all happen in a two-week period. Everyone wants to reconnect at this time of year but often the social calendar is more than people can manage. In January, my patients tend to attribute digestive upsets and weight gain to indulgent holiday eating which is a big factor but so is the amount of energy we have to digest. Extended family gatherings can be full of love as well as triggers. Leave yourself space to digest.

Overall, approach the season with a realistic view. Give in a way that feels genuine to your values and your capacity. Connect in a way that feels nourishing and respects your sensitiveness so that you can enjoy and feel well.