There’s No Place Like Alone for the Holidays

The holidays are upon us. I’m not sure when Black Friday is anymore, because every day my inbox and message apps are loaded with taglines that say this is the “greatest sale ever.” Christmas is supposed to be a non-stop joyful experience from October through December, with the focus on celebrations, gifts, parties, family, food, and fun. Quite frankly, I find it more than a bit overwhelming.

This may be because, at heart, I’m more of an introvert than an extrovert. I enjoy my solitude and keeping to my own schedule. Crowds, even if all family, will often leave me exhausted, and parties, and the anxiety they cause, leave me feeling more alone than when I’m by myself. Pair this with the stress of unspoken holiday expectations, and I often found myself questioning if I am really just Ebenezer Scrooge’s distant cousin?

Recent survey data shows I am not alone. Most individuals fall somewhere on a continuum with introversion at one end and extroversion at the other. Even those with a tendency towards extroversion need time to stop and recharge this time of year. In addition, the holidays also bring added stress, with a 2023 poll by the American Psychological Association indicating that 41percent of the respondents felt increased stress during the holidays compared with other times of the year, and 89 percent reported additional stress for reasons like “not having enough money, missing loved ones, and anticipating family conflict”. Nearly one in five adults who celebrate non-Christian holidays said they experience stress because the holiday season does not reflect their culture, religion, or traditions.

As employers, we may find that some employees do not embrace the holiday season. They prefer to work through the holiday party or not attend one that is after hours. If they do attend, they may indulge in too much food or drink as a coping mechanism. They may appear distracted or claim they suffer from the holiday blues.

What can you do to help your employees? First, don’t pressure them if they don’t want to attend the company party. Let them know they are welcome, and if they attend, they are free to leave when they feel the need. Make sure your Employee Assistance Plan information is available in break rooms, on your company intranet, etc., so employees experiencing extreme stress or holiday loneliness don’t have to ask for it. Create a list of volunteer opportunities available in your community and post internally. Include contact information so that interested employees can explore these on their own. Finally, encourage them to embrace the holiday on their terms. If sitting by the fire (or watching the yule log on TV) brings them peace and joy, then bring it on! 

Whatever your plans, whether alone or in a crowd, have a wonderful holiday!