In the previous episodes I have talked about festive perfectionism and festive burnout – basically from doing all the things, and trying to do them perfectly.
This week, I want to continue the theme by thinking about comparison culture at Christmas.
If you feel upset after you’ve seen other people’s pretty Christmas photos, with their kids in matching pyjamas and being all smiles in front of the tree, whilst your kids are murdering each other in the background in your own house, and you draw a deep sigh about the chaos, then this is for you.
I’ll keep it brief, as I know you have a lot on in December. My operations manager and I were reflecting on that over text message this week, with her saying ‘December is a joke’ and me replying ‘December is a joke that isn’t funny’.
I’ve connected with several people through my act of rebellion against a gingerbread house in a recent Instagram reel – yes, I gave it the finger. No, I’m not a Grinch. Go check it out, for the lolz, as the kids say.
The overwhelm is REAL. I’ve noticed that part of that overwhelm and perfectionistic pressure around the holidays is also linked to comparison culture. I was recently interviewed about perfectionism in the Christmas dossier for Psychologies magazine, so you can check that out too for more inspiration around how to let go of perfectionism at Christmas.
Links:
Connect with me on Instagram to see the flippant gingerbread house: www.instagram.com/the_thomas_connection
Put your name down on this link to be the first to know about the ADHD membership: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhd
Link for advert: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright
info@thethomasconnection.co.uk to ask Michaela about Burn Bright.
Surviving and thriving as a couple
Imperfect parenting, with Catherine Hallissey
Turning down the heat
Balancing emotions and nutrition, with Bec Milligan
Bridging differences with compassion
Overworking and hustle culture, with Lara Sheldrake
Compromise, not sacrifice
Healing attachment trauma, with Thais Gibson
Connection not perfection
Beauty and perfection, with Amanda Thomas
The Compassionate Couple
Meditation and mindfulness, with Shamash Alidina
Compassionate Communication
Balance and bold boundaries, with Naketa Ren Thigpen
Finding purpose through disability, with Heidi Herkes
Doing what matters
Compassion for every part of you
Changing your habits with kindness, with Shahroo Izadi
Compassion for anger, with Russell Kolts
Compassion for the inner critic
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Good Mood Revolution
Your Sleep Guru Podcast
Anxiety Slayer™ with Shann and Ananga
Men Do Talk Podcast
The Dr. John Delony Show
On Purpose with Jay Shetty