With it being December, I could’ve easily done the saccharin-sweet “Isn’t everything wonderful this time of year?” type of post that seems so prevalent as soon as we get anywhere near the festive season. But for many people, that’s just not reality.
For lots of us, it can feel like a time of unease, awkwardness, isolation, and unhappiness. For instance, those of us freelancing in corporate events are experiencing the buzz of work slowing right down and the camaraderie of intense projects fading. If you’re feeling the emotional weight of the holidays beginning to wrap around your soul like Marley’s chains, I can guarantee you’re not alone.
But society says you have to love Christmas. So, you put on your game face and squirm and bluff your way through the festive period, quietly counting down the days until it’s all over for another year.
I don’t think it’s too harsh to say that, for many of us, the ‘season of joy’ can get in the bin.
So that’s what I want to address this month. Because talking about these feelings and situations—not ignoring them—might just make a difference to someone out there.
And isn’t that what the spirit of Christmas is really about?
Mental health and the December blues
The winter months are challenging for many, but they can be particularly tough for those living with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or struggling with loneliness. The darker days, colder weather, and constant festive buzz can amplify feelings of sadness or isolation, especially if family issues or a lack of support make this time harder.
How to cope:
- Light it up: Invest in a SAD lamp or spend time outdoors during daylight hours to boost your mood.
- Stay active: Even short walks or yoga at home can help release endorphins.
- Connect: Reach out to friends, colleagues, or online communities—even a virtual chat can make a big difference.
- Plan small joys: Whether it’s a Christmas movie night or a cosy dinner, schedule moments of comfort and fun to look forward to.
And remember, it’s okay not to feel merry and bright 24/7. Take the pressure off by allowing yourself to feel how you feel.
Freelance work and the post-silly season slump
After the whirlwind of September through November, the sudden drop in event bookings, like the ones we experience during the August lull, can feel disorienting. On one hand, it’s a relief to slow down after the chaos, but the quiet period can also bring financial stress and a sense of unease.
When I’m working, my default setting is 200mph, so when I do get to stop for longer than five minutes, I don’t want to start up again! Don’t get me wrong, the brief rest in December can be utterly delightful, but it does come at a price. That price is the Sunday Blues.
When it’s time to go back to work in the New Year, that feeling of dread is magnified by 100. Why? Because I know I’ll be going at 200mph again before my first coffee of the day has had a chance to go cold. The time off may as well never have happened, and that puts me in a bad mood. Talk about starting as you mean to go on!
How to cope:
- Plan ahead for downtime: Use this quieter period to review finances, schedule client follow-ups, or invest in personal development. Think of it as a chance to prepare for the busy months ahead.
- Explore temporary opportunities: December might be quieter for corporate events, but holiday events or smaller gigs could keep things ticking over.
- Budget wisely: If December tends to be a lull, consider spreading your earnings from busier months to ease the pressure.
- Celebrate your wins: Reflect on what you achieved during the silly season—you’ve earned this break!
Feeling isolated without your ‘work family’
Your relationship with your blood family can sometimes be complicated, but your fellow events industry colleagues and freelancers—your work family—often become the people you interact with most. You’ll spend months working side-by-side, achieving incredible things together, sharing laughs, stress, and triumphs. But when the seasonal slowdown hits, that constant connection can abruptly vanish, leaving a huge void.
If your work family is your main source of social interaction, and you live alone, the Christmas period can feel especially isolating. It might even leave you feeling like the human equivalent of the strawberry cream in the Cadbury’s Heroes tub: unwanted.
That’s why you must keep that line open between you and your work family.
How to cope:
- Check-in with your work family: A simple text or a quick call can mean the world to someone feeling cut off. Why not organise a casual coffee catch-up to reminisce about the past season? Reconnecting can remind you that those bonds don’t just disappear when the work slows down. Remember those people you’ve worked with in the past, and have the best fun with but haven’t seen for ages. Get in touch and meet for a coffee. They may be feeling the same as you!
- Reach out to others in need: Whether it’s a friend, a neighbour, or even volunteering at a local charity, extending kindness to others can often soothe your own feelings of loneliness.
- Honour lost loved ones: If you’re missing someone, take a moment to remember them in a way that feels special to you—light a candle, cook their favourite dish, or write them a letter.
- Nurture relationships outside of work: Use this downtime to strengthen connections with friends, family, or even yourself. Plan small get-togethers, make time for hobbies, or simply enjoy some rest.
- Plan ahead: Why not arrange a team reunion or casual meetup in January? Knowing there’s something to look forward to can make the quieter weeks feel less overwhelming.
A season for self-care and connection
While December can be tough, it’s also an opportunity to refocus, recharge, and reconnect. Whether you’re taking care of your mental health, getting your financial ducks in a row, or finding ways to keep the festive spirit alive, remember—you’re not alone.
However, if you or someone you know is feeling the weight of the Christmas period, there are lots of organisations that you can contact for support:
The Salvation Army: Christmas Present Appeal
NSPCC: Children’s health and well-being
Samaritans: A suicide prevention charity
Age UK: The UK’s leading charity for helping the elderly
Turning the toughness of December into a time of care
The festive season isn’t easy for everyone, and that’s okay. December often comes with mixed feelings—joy, reflection, and, for some, deep emotional and mental challenges. Whether it’s the quieter workdays, the absence of loved ones, or simply the weight of a difficult year, it’s important to acknowledge these feelings and make space for care, for yourself and others.
This is a time to remind ourselves that we’re part of a bigger community. Whether you lean on your work family, reach out to old friends, or support someone in need, even the smallest act of connection can make the season brighter.
So, as we muddle through the madness this time of year brings, let’s prioritise kindness—to ourselves and others. However you’re spending December, know that your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone. If the season feels heavy, don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, a loved one, a colleague, or one of the fantastic organisations listed above. Sometimes, just sharing your thoughts can lighten the load.
We wish you a peaceful, restful, calm and content festive season.
