The Warsaw High School Times

Graphic by Rita Pasiewicz

Christmas is a very beloved holiday, with many people starting preparations already in November, right after taking down their Halloween decorations. Just as many people start feeling anxious about the upcoming celebration. We all know the Grinch – the green, furry creature who hates Christmas and wants to ruin it for everyone. He is an icon, even though he does not exactly fit into our perfect, happy perception of Christmas. He is here with us every year in the form of merchandise, and he is (sort of) here with us when we call someone a “Grinch” because they do not fully like Christmas.

The pressure to be happy and enjoy this season that society puts on us is overwhelming. Maybe someone does not have the energy to be happy about two days in a year that, for them, may not really be that different from the rest. Maybe their financial situation does not allow them to buy presents for other people, and it makes them feel like they do not belong. Maybe someone’s family has taken the time to show them how much they do not understand them and are not willing to do so. Many people, for many various reasons, are not welcome with their family and have to spend Christmas alone.

But even if someone can go to the family dinner, the perspective of seeing everyone at the Christmas table can be terrifying. Preparations are a battle field in many families because of the stress of finishing baking and cooking on time. During these encounters, elders tend to ask weird, difficult questions that cross all privacy boundaries. It can prove to be very uncomfortable. In Poland, family meetings, especially nowadays, can also mean discussions on politics, and in many cases this can lead to conflicts and people getting angry at each other.

People who struggle mentally may find Christmas time especially tough. When you feel sad, angry, numb, tired – you name it – it is hard to see other people so joyful. You know that you can not be like them because your health makes it difficult for you. It is something that you desire, but maybe you are not ready for it yet. People with depression may find it hard to get out of bed, so getting ready and dressing up for a family dinner can be difficult, and then they actually have to get there and sit at the table with other people who often don not understand their situation and think that they should just smile more, or that it is all because of the Internet.

When a “Grinch” shares their struggles, it is common that few people take a moment to actually consider how hard it might be for them, or what their situation may be. Often, instead of trying to see how sensible and vulnerable a “Grinch” is, people can see them as insensitive and selfish. Just because someone does not like this holiday does not mean that they are a terrible person.

So, if you have someone around you who does not enjoy Christmas, and may be seen as a “Grinch”, do not try to forcefully change their mind. They probably have enough struggles already, and would appreciate your support rather than advice.