What is Humbug Day?

The holiday season, it’s that time of year when we’re all expected to be as cheery as those Hallmark movie characters who just inherited a Christmas tree farm. But let’s be real, sometimes, the season of joy feels more like a season of stress. That’s where Humbug Day comes in!

What is Humbug Day?

Humbug Day comes every December 21st. It is a day that allows you to vent your frustrations before the holiday season ends. Let’s face it, between dealing with in-laws, dodging holiday crowds, and trying to find the "perfect gift," frustrations can pile up faster than those holiday cards you forgot to send. Before Humbug Day catches up with you, keep reading for some fun ways to release those holiday frustrations!

Acceptance

Feeling stressed? Annoyed? Ready to launch the elf right off the shelf? That’s okay! Allow yourself to feel these emotions without guilt. Too often during the holidays, we feel like we “should” get along, “should” have fun, etc. Stop saying “should” and focus on the things you want or choose to do.

Expectations

Forget trying to make everything perfect. Remember, those perfectly posed Instagram family photos are not real. At least one child screamed about wearing matching pajamas and someone probably stormed off at least once before the photo was taken. Aim for “good enough” this season and pat yourself on the back when no one actually sets the turkey on fire.

Energy

When frustrations build, go for a brisk walk, hit the gym, or have a snowball fight with the kids. For extra fun, try a solo holiday dance party in the middle of the kitchen when no one’s watching. Expending that built up extra energy will provide an instant mood boost, guaranteed.

Mindfulness

Meditation sounds peaceful, but if sitting in silence makes your to-do list shout louder, start small. Find a quiet space and take some deep breaths (you might have to hide in the bathroom).  Imagine yourself on a beach somewhere far away, sipping something with an umbrella in it. Taking just a few moments for yourself to decompress can get you back on track in no time.

Take a break

Overwhelmed by all the holiday to-do’s? Take a break before you lose it over mismatched ornaments. Declare some “me” time and retreat to binge-watch cheesy holiday movies, even if you spend the entire time critiquing the plot (seriously, who falls in love after two days of decorating a gingerbread house?). You’ll come back refreshed, or at least less crabby.

Talk to your dog

If venting to a friend feels like too much, try unloading your worries onto your dog. You can try venting to your cat, but they tend to be rather indifferent. Either way, they won’t judge your complaints about family or frustrations over botched decorations. Plus, dogs always think you’re amazing, even when you’re wearing yesterday’s reindeer pajamas.

Gratitude

Yes, gratitude is important. But if you’re too frustrated to feel thankful, just fake it till you make it. So, the pie burned, and the kids ate all the whipped cream? In the grand scheme of things, is it really that important? Shake it off, laugh and be grateful. Sometimes, laughing at your situation is all you can do, and you might be surprised at how it can turn things around.

Boundaries

Setting some boundaries will help you feel less Grinchy this holiday season. Politely decline events that you know will stress you out. If someone does call you a Grinch, remind them that Humbug Day is right around the corner and you plan to celebrate it with all you’ve got. Remember, it’s easy to over commit or get dragged into the classic family drama this time of year. Don’t do it. Just say no and pour yourself some eggnog to celebrate.

Kindness

It’s easy to forget that everyone is stressed out during the holidays. If someone snaps at you in line, try to remember that they may be under even more pressure than you. Be kind to others, but more importantly, be kind to yourself. Even if that means eating Santa chocolates straight out of the bag. No judgment.

Traditions

Sometimes old traditions can feel more like obligations. Why not start a new tradition of your own? Maybe that means watching action movies instead of holiday classics, after all, Die Hard is a Christmas movie, right? Or, try swapping a big dinner for a pizza night instead. The holidays are about joy, so do what makes you happy, whatever that is!

If all else fails, you know that you have December 21st to vent about everything holiday. Be a Humbug and get it all off your chest. Just remember, in the end, the holidays aren’t about perfect decorations or cooking fancy meals. They are about finding joy, spending time with friends and family, and being grateful. So, laugh off the frustrations, embrace imperfection, and remember that sometimes humor is the best way to survive the chaos.

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Photo courtesy Pixabay/moritz320