The “Most Wonderful Time” of the Year?

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” the lyric goes. But if you ask Americans, nearly nine in ten will also tell you it’s also stressful. According to the results of a new poll by the American Psychological Association (APA), 89% of adults say that issues like financial concerns, missing loved ones, anticipating family conflict, and feeling on the outside of celebrations cause them stress during the holiday season. Not only that, but the holidays bring up a whole range of emotions – not all of them wonderful – for many people.

How do stress levels compare with other times of year?

In a Harris Poll conducted the survey of 2,061 adults between November 14-16, 2023, 41% say their stress increases during the holidays while 52% say it stays the same. Very few people, only 7% of respondents, feel less stressed during the holidays.

“The holiday season can be both a happy and stressful time of year in part due to expectations to spend time with family and friends, navigate family conflicts and uphold important traditions,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, APA’s chief executive officer. “At this hectic time of year, it is important that people take care of their mental health, especially in communities whose members feel disproportionately burdened or excluded from what is traditionally considered the holiday season.”

What are the sources of stress?

Money

Feeling like you don’t have enough money or spending too much is a significant holiday stressor for 58% of people. This is especially true for families earning under $50,000 annually, who were more likely to rate their stress levels as “high” compared to families making $100,000 a year or more.

Gift giving

Finding the right gift causes stress for four in ten people (40%).

Missing family or loved ones

Grief and distance – whether purely physical or emotional estrangement– can be especially painful during the holidays. 38% of people reported missing loved ones as sources of holiday stress.

Feeling like the holidays don’t reflect your culture, religion or traditions

Although a variety of cultures celebrate winter holidays, many Americans feel on the outside of “the holiday season.”

23% of those who celebrate traditionally Jewish holidays and 20% of those who celebrate other non-Christian holidays say they feel stress because the holiday season does not reflect their religion or cultural traditions.

Feeling like you’re not part of the U.S. “holiday season”

45% of those celebrating Jewish holidays and 57% of those celebrating other non-Christian holidays feel additional stress at this time of year because they feel like they’re on the outside of seasonal celebrations. 29% of those who celebrate Christian holidays feel this way as well.

Worry about discrimination at this time of year

42% of those celebrating Jewish holidays and 55% of people who celebrate other non-Christian holidays worry about being discriminated against for their religion, traditions or culture at this time of year. Only 13% of those celebrating Christian holidays feel this way.

The holidays bring up a mix of positive and negative emotions

What words do people use to describe the holidays?

Bittersweet – 72%

Fun – 50%

Joyous – 49%

Exciting – 45%

Stressful – 40%

Overwhelming – 34%

Exhausting – 34%

However, a majority of U.S. adults agreed that the holiday season is positive overall: “Nearly seven in 10 (69%) agreed that the stress surrounding the holidays is worth it, and 84% said the holiday season creates a sense of togetherness.”

What’s the takeaway?

“Though the holidays may increase stress levels, they can also be an opportunity. Psychological science tells us that setting aside time to strengthen our relationships and engage in traditions can benefit our physical, mental and emotional well-being, which can prepare us to better manage stress year-round,” said Evans.

In addition, simply being aware of what those around us may be feeling can help us respond with empathy and support one another during this emotionally-charged time.

Read the full APA article here.

 

Photo by Kaydn Ito on Unsplash