Music is an integral part of the Christmas festivities. It can elevate your mood, spark joy, and conjure happy memories of the holiday season. But music can also act as a double-edged sword, triggering unpleasant emotions or memories of past traumas and losses. For many, the Christmas season can be an emotionally trying time. The music played during this period can have a profound impact on how people experience the season. If you are feeling the weight of difficult emotions that get triggered in the stores or on the radio from Holiday tunes, then this blog post is for you. Hopefully, it provides tools to strike a balance with music during Christmastime so that it becomes a source of joy and comfort rather than pain and discomfort.
Acknowledge your feelings:
If you are finding it difficult to enjoy music during Christmastime, it’s essential to acknowledge your feelings. Instead of pushing them aside, try to understand why you feel the way you do. For many people, the Christmas period can trigger feelings of loneliness, grief, or anxiety. It can remind you of a memory or person that may or may not be pleasant to be part of your day. Try to identify why you are feeling a certain way and process your emotions. I have a few songs that trigger some unwanted emotions during this time of year, and through my work and personal development, I have learned that self-awareness is so important. It is important to be aware of what is happening in your mind and body and learn how to cope with that in a healthy way.
For example, if you hear a song in the store that you have a memory of with your mother who has recently passed, take a moment to notice what is happening in your body. Maybe you need to ditch the cart and go have a good cry, honoring your self-assessment as needing a moment to mourn. Or maybe it has been many years, and once you feel the emotion building up you know if you take some deep breaths and smile your body will relax and refocus on the beauty of having that memory.
Limit exposure to triggering music:
If certain pieces of music or genres trigger negative emotions, then it may be best to limit your exposure to them. That might mean avoiding certain radio stations, turning off the background music in stores that trigger memories, or asking friends and family to play less of those songs at home. In some cases, it may mean finding alternative forms of music that don’t exacerbate negative feelings.
Create a playlist of songs that bring joy:
Creating a playlist of songs that you love and that bring you joy can help you feel more connected to the holiday season. Be selective when creating the playlist and focus on songs that you genuinely enjoy. Use the playlist in situations that evoke negative feelings. You can use it as background music when doing chores, driving, or relaxing at home.
Consider professional help:
Suppose your reactions to music during Christmastime are beginning to take a toll on your daily life. In that case, it’s essential to seek professional help. An experienced therapist can help you work through your emotional responses to music and come up with healthy coping mechanisms.
Connect with others:
One of the best things about the holiday season is the chance to connect with friends, family, and others in our community. Sharing your musical experiences with others can be healing and uplifting. Consider signing up for a choir, attending a Christmas concert with friends and family, or participating in a caroling group.
With all that said, it is essential to be mindful of our emotional responses to music and take active steps to manage them. Whether it’s limiting exposure to triggering music, creating a joyful playlist, seeking professional help, or connecting with others.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need resources! I’m here to help 🙂
