If you already suffer from anxiety and depression at this time of year, if you already get stressed out at Christmas, then be warned! Hallmark Christmas movies can be depressing! They set a bar that no one can reach. But there is hope.
Now don’t get me wrong. I love them too (well, half of them anyways). I love the colours, the nice clothes (no provocative clothing), everyone is so polite to one another (no bad language), and of course the happy ending – always a happy ending.
But keep it in perspective. Try NOT to let it make you think that your family doesn’t get along like that, or your family doesn’t get together, or you don’t decorate your house as much as you should, or you don’t do as many Christmas activities as you should, etc.
This movie, ‘Three Wise Men and a Baby’, which came out last year, is officially my new favourite Hallmark Christmas movie. It has all the makings of a good story – flawed characters, experiencing a needed change from old attitudes, a common cause, some laughter, some tears and a happy ending!
What’s not to love about that? Oh and for a bonus there are beautiful decorations, and more colour than regular movies. And food! And presents! I would recommend this one. They have real problems and develop real solutions. They do not have a perfect life.
But beware of the lingering effects of many of the Hallmark Christmas movies. As lovely as they are (even the ones with a lame plot) they project a kind of Christmas that is not real and not attainable and frankly NOT NECESSARY for any of us.
These movies have expanded the idea of ‘Christmas’ way beyond the humanly possible or humanly necessary! So when you watch, just watch to be entertained, and beware that this is not a standard for the way we celebrate Christmas.
The season is upon us and is stressful at so many levels whether you have a mental illness or not. So beware, watch out for the landmines, and be kind to yourself. Do what you can and don’t feel guilty about what you can’t do or simply don’t want to do.
You may want to check out my old blog Depression Getaway with Wendy Love, and search ‘christmas’. I have some fun stories and some great links to articles about coping with the pressures of the Christmas season.
There’s lots of time yet to rest up and get some healthy perspective on the Christmas season this year.
Don’t give up. I’m praying for you. There is hope, there is always hope.
