I was first introduced to the idea of “Christmas as a bad thing” by the somber female protagonist in the movie Gremlins. Since then, I’ve noticed a general holiday dread ranging from frantic shopping and family gathering montages in films like The Family Stone to significant psychological decline.
Perhaps overdue, the medical community has recognized Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as a legitimate contributor to some of this season-specific malaise. Many of the symptoms mirror depressive symptoms - fatigue, hopelessness, helplessness, low mood, changes in sleep and appetite, etc. - as do consequent disruptions in work/academic performance and relationships.
The holidays can pose anxiety and depressive symptoms even absent a SAD diagnosis. Sometimes it’s enough to slow down, practice mindfulness, and reflect on the specific factors that comprise your family, dynamics within it, and where you (realistically) fit in.
For more on SAD check out this article from the Mayo Clinic on Seasonal Affective Disorder
For more on critical family theory check out Family Therapy by Goldenberg and Goldenberg.
For comic relief, check out Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris, You Better Not Cry by Augusten Burroughs, or any of a number of holiday film favorites (e.g. Elf, A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, etc.)