Holiday mode: ghosting until further notice.

A little grinchy but smiling

For those maybe dangerously close to Christmas burnout and for anyone slightly exhausted by the ‘most wonderful time of the year’...”

Don’t wish anyone happy holidays or anything similar.

Don’t stress about New Year’s greetings either.

Just go silent, then reappear on January 6th saying,

“Looking back at what 2026 has given me…”

Let’s be honest OK: the so‑called quiet time, the season of love, the idea of big families gathering underneath a Christmas tree, all dressed up a little festive or wearing cute but hilarious ugly Christmas sweaters, candles burning and the house filled with laughter – that’s mostly a myth.

The closer the so‑called holidays come – “so‑called” because many still have to work, and those who schedule the special dinners, brunches, and afternoon family gatherings are probably following a tight battle plan like a French general from the last century – well yes, the crazier it seems to get. The countdown is on, ladies and gentlemen.

It’s like the end of December is on sale and everyone is running to get the best deal before prices rise again. Are we running out of time? Is it really a countdown, beginning with Christmas and then keeping the momentum of pressure going until the new year has come?

People rush to spend far too much money on last‑minute, not‑well‑thought‑out gifts and schedule emergency online meetings with their psychologists because they have to prepare themselves to meet the family.

Oh, quiet times. Strategists who learned from last time know that the in‑laws are easier to deal with if you do it like Uncle Franky and down a shot every time you go to the bathroom.

Blessed are those who aren’t allergic to polyester- Cousin Annabelle caused a big outbreak of contact allergies with her extra‑soft and “funny” Christmas hats she forced everybody to wear two years ago for a big family picture. Already scared of her idea for this year’s picture.

My heart hurts every year for those who especially miss someone they’ve lost, because something about Christmas carries a lot of sadness, and it doesn’t help to see all the commercials with happy families. What if someone is all alone and actually also feeling lonely? Can’t we have ads celebrating enjoying some days off all alone – writing in a diary, lighting a candle in memory of those we love who aren’t with us anymore, or just sleeping in? And the same for New Year’s. Not everybody has a huge, or even a small, family. Not everyone has friends who invite them and some simply live far from home.

Stepping back from the hustle they sell us as a must‑have for Christmas: no to forced happiness - and a big yes to keeping it real about how challenging family gatherings can be. The whole thing actually. From the old to the kids, everyone is tired in the middle of winter, and some are emotionally pretty drained after pushing through the year.

My tactic is to gently ghost everything that’s not really urgent or necessary.

I’ve figured out that I actually like this fest with all its lights when I exclude myself from the buzz around it.

I am filled with gratitude to have a warm home, that I can cook a good meal for my family, and that we are able to be together. This isn’t a given, it’s special and wonderful.

I give thanks for life, and without any advertising pictures I will silently move into these last days of the year. Imagine me on a lonely park bench slowing down my breath and enjoying a moment of stillness in the crispy December air. Silently sending out love.

A peace of mind and one good thought.

That’s all I want for Christmas.