THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF FESTIVITIES
During the festive season, both Christmas and the New Year have a peculiar way of revealing the true nature of individuals, showcasing either their finest qualities or their darkest flaws.
The mere idea of being engulfed in an environment filled with negativity and toxicity fills them with apprehension and unease.
In this time of celebration and reflection, the contrasting experiences of individuals during Christmas and the New Year serve as a reminder that these occasions have the power to bring out the best or the worst in us.
It is a time when our true colours shine through, revealing the strength of our character and the depths of our relationships.
Simultaneously, there are individuals who dread the thought of spending the holidays alone or being surrounded by toxic relationships.
As the holiday season approaches, anxiety mounts for those who find themselves financially strained, desperately trying to meet the expectations of keeping their children up-to-date with the latest trends.
The pressure to conform to societal standards weighs heavily on their shoulders, causing tensions to rise and overshadow the joyous spirit of the season.
In the hearts of many, the pain of losing a cherished soul still lingers. The passage of time seems irrelevant, for there is no perfect moment to heal the wounds of grief.
In this world, there will always be individuals who willingly plunge themselves into financial debt, solely to ensure that others can relish those fleeting moments of joy.
With the arrival of New Year's Eve, a greater amount of money is destined to be expended on festivities, regardless of whether one chooses to celebrate at home or venture out.
The demands of this time of year revolve around the choices we are prepared to make and the compromises we are willing to embrace.
The commencement of a fresh year can be daunting depending on the sacrifices we have made the preceding year.
In this modern society, there exists an overwhelming expectation for young individuals to assimilate into the popular crowd.
The pursuit of the latest trends and possessions has become a paramount concern, placing an immense burden on both youngsters and their parents to conform to societal norms, often at great financial strain.
At times, I ponder if the relentless effort we put into toiling away just to repay those exorbitant fees and charges imposed by credit card companies is truly worthwhile.
Only for a fleeting few days each year, people engage in the frenzy of Christmas shopping.
However, it might be wise for individuals to consider commencing their gift-gathering endeavors at the dawn of the year.
To be completely truthful, the true essence of Christmas seems to have faded away due to the overwhelming influence of media, bombarding us with endless temptations.
Reclaiming the significance of this festive season requires a strong sense of discipline and self-control, as it is only through these virtues that we can hope to realign our priorities.
During my childhood, Christmas held great meaning as it revolved around the biblical tale of Jesus' birth. The presents we received symbolized the offerings brought by the wise men to the humble stable.
Although we did receive Christmas presents, they were never based on our desires but rather on our necessities.
To me, Christmas has always been synonymous with cherished moments spent with family, relatives, and friends, creating precious memories and enjoying quality time together.
In a world where life keeps us constantly occupied, this festive season should be embraced as a golden opportunity to reunite with those we haven't had the chance to see in far too long.
Growing up, I did not have close relationships with many members of my extensive family on my father’s side.
My encounters as an adult limited to sombre occasions like funerals, where we would gather to bid farewell to our loved ones.
I long for the presence of my Father, reminiscing about the joyous gatherings we used to have at my grandmother's humble abode in Whitechapel.
Those were the times when I would reunite with my relatives and immerse myself in endless hours of playful games.
However, as the years passed and adulthood beckoned, our paths diverged, leading us on separate journeys through life.
It is not a matter of regret or placing blame, for such is the natural course of existence.
Each of us strives to carve our own path to create a life that is uniquely ours.
Though the nostalgia lingers, I find solace in the knowledge that life continues to unfold, and we are all navigating its unpredictable twists and turns.
This year, I have decided to dedicate the holiday season to cherishing precious moments with my beloved family, for life is truly fleeting.
Acknowledging the unique qualities that shape each of us, I wholeheartedly hope for harmony and tranquility to prevail among us.
To those who find themselves without a concrete plan this year due to unforeseen circumstances, I sincerely pray that you find solace in reaching out to your neighbor, who might offer invaluable guidance towards the appropriate resources and support.
Natalie Bleau Author
