As an introvert, it can be hard to survive the Christmas period. With lots of family get-togethers, parties and Christmas meals, it can feel very daunting as we approach the festive season- especially if you're struggling with social anxiety.
However, there are a few ways to make sure you are always comfortable at Christmas time. At the end of the day, everyone struggles with different things around the holidays- and you're never alone!
In this blog post, I've featured a few experiences and thoughts from other bloggers about how to survive Christmas as an introvert, and I've also included my top tips for helping an introvert in the family.
How 2 Bloggers Survive Christmas as an Introvert
Coralle Skye: Eco Cozza
Christmas can be overwhelming for an introvert like myself. Although I really enjoy the festive season, I can quickly become burnt out during social occasions.
What helps me is knowing when to say 'no' and stepping away to recharge my batteries when needed.
For example, if everyone is playing a game but I'm feeling too anxious and mentally drained to play along, I'll politely decline and do something else.
Reading or watching a film are nice activities to do when you're feeling too burnt out to socialise.
Try to communicate with friends and family members so they know you're not being 'anti-social' on purpose, you just simply need some time by yourself.
Jorannde - Of a Glasgow Girl
As an introvert who also has social anxiety, the festive season really does bring a lot of nerves my way.
For years I suffered in silence, put on a mask and pretended. That was all well and good until one year it got too much and I had a bit of a nervous breakdown which ended up with me in hospital due to stress.
I knew something had to give so I implemented some changes. Now I make sure to schedule any social interaction such as family get-togethers or dropping off kids presents with at least 7-8 days in-between.
The interactions start mid-November to fit it all in and it's the best decision I've ever made.
Surviving the festive period still feels daunting, but learning my own boundaries and getting the courage to say no to things that will spike my anxiety has helped bring some happiness back to this time of year.
My Top Tips for Helping Introverts in Your Family This Christmas
As someone who is socially anxious myself, I know how hard it can be to survive Christmas as an introvert.
On the other side of things, it's important to know how to support your friends and family during the festive season, allowing everyone to have a fun time- regardless of social anxiety!
I've put together my top tips for helping introverts in your family this Christmas, giving you the chance to understand what everyone needs to be happy and comfortable.
1. Respect boundaries
Everyone with social anxiety is different- and they will all have different boundaries. Respect everyone's boundaries!
Whether you're meeting up with friends over the festive period or you're enjoying a family feast, respect that other people may have certain boundaries in place when it comes to socialisation time, eating with others or spending time outside of the home.
Some people with social anxiety prefer to chat to one person at a time, other people like to slip into a group setting.
Respect boundaries and everyone will stay happy, comfortable and festive this Christmas!
2. Allow time alone
Introverts need time alone to recharge, especially after spending lots of time with other people. When someone says they want to spend a bit of time alone, let them!
Don't question their reasons or tell them they have to stay around other people. Just let them spend time with themselves to feel better.
You could also make it clear that anyone at your party, get-together or festive dinner is allowed to take time in a separate room whenever they need it, to make introverts feel calm and less anxious from the start.
3. Ask what they need
If in doubt, ask what your friends and family actually need! I love it when someone takes the time to understand my social anxiety, as it means they can do little things to make it better without causing a big fuss.
I love Jordanne's idea of breaking up social engagements with friends and family over a couple of months. You might need to start your get-togethers a bit earlier in the year, but this means no one gets overwhelmed.
If you're an introvert, you could also tell your friends and family what you need in advance, so that you are comfortable and supported throughout the festive season.
4. Don't be offended
If everyone is spending time together over the festive period, it is easy to be offended by anyone who cancels or who takes themselves into a different room during the festivities.
However, don't be offended! An introvert never does any of this to hurt you or because they don't want to spend time with you. They just need time to relax and recharge alone sometimes- and that's okay!
Keep things stress-free this Christmas by accepting that introverts need to take this time alone, and it's nothing to do with anyone there.
5. Understand that everyone is different!
When you have a big family get-together, everyone is bound to have different personalities and feel differently about social situations.
Some of us might thrive on social time with others, while some of us need time alone to recharge.
Understand that everyone is different- and accept these differences so that you can all have a lovely Christmas season together!
How do you survive Christmas as an introvert? What are your top tips for helping introverts in the family? Let me know!
Love, Sarah xoxoxo
