Is the thought of the upcoming holidays (and all of the marketing associated with them) leaving you less-than-thrilled? Does seasonal marketing already trigger feelings of anxiety? Read on as Dr. Briscoe shares tips for navigating seasonal marketing and social media “perfection” during this holiday season.

 

You know it’s fall when, in one aisle of the store, you’re picking out Halloween candy and, in the next, you’re greeted with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer singing Christmas carols. Seriously, didn’t we just pack away the sun hats and beach towels?

Now, amidst the cooling breezes of October, marketers are nudging (read: shoving) us into a festive frenzy. First, we’re urged to plan our spookiest Halloween shenanigans, only to turn a corner and be told to prep our turkeys for Thanksgiving. And let’s not forget the mountains of tinsel and ornaments nudging us towards Christmas before the trick-or-treaters even knock on our door. Can we just breathe and enjoy one holiday at a time?

It’s all good fun until we start feeling the pressure. The media’s whirlwind portrayal of ‘perfect’ holidays can leave us feeling like we’re racing against an impossible standard. Those perfectly curated Facebook photos of our friends’ fall festivities? I promise, behind every flawlessly carved pumpkin is a kitchen that looks like it’s been through a pumpkin apocalypse.

The constant bombardment of early holiday marketing, paired with the social media myth of everyone ‘having it all together,’ can exacerbate anxiety. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) isn’t just occasional stress; it’s a persistent, excessive worry about a variety of things. It can be debilitating. And when the world around us insists we should be orchestrating the perfect fall, it can feel like we’re perpetually falling short.

No one truly has everything together, regardless of what their Instagram story suggests. The crux of these holidays isn’t about showcasing perfection but embracing the imperfections and finding joy in the little moments. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, remember you’re not alone and seeking help, be it talking to a friend or consulting a professional, is a sign of strength. So, the next time a Christmas jingle plays in October, chuckle, roll your eyes, and savor one holiday at a time.