How to enjoy the holidays as an introvert.
Intro
Naturally, an introvert finds it harder to enjoy holidays. But everyone needs love and family. Also, you can’t successfully run away from it, but you can manage to enjoy it with a little bit of effort and determination. It’s a war.
The ultimate festivities season is here, but for some of us, that could spike our anxiety. The shopping, people, the “fun” things to do, places to go, meeting up with old and sometimes better-forgotten people, etc.
As an introverted person, one stereotype I often have to dispel is that we hate associating with people. It may look that way, but we don’t always hate associating with people. I’ve grown up to realize introverts are not necessarily people haters. They are mostly laid back and reserved.
Sometimes, they may prefer slower-paced activities and events and less crowded spaces. They just want a chill life. No offense to any non-introverted person out there. Let’s just accept that “chill” is very subjective.
Given this, how can an introvert enjoy holidays truly?
how to enjoy holidays as an introvert
1. Prepare yourself ahead of time
While you may not completely escape all festivities, you can prepare yourself ahead of the inevitable ones. If you’re the one hosting, better!
Although, how often does an introvert agree to host? But let’s say you’re a married woman and you’re extending a courtesy family meeting in your home.
The best part of being the host is the freedom you have to move however you want. You can invite whoever you want. Sometimes, you have to invite those who you’d rather not have around (courtesy, of course). Like an annoying sister-in-law etc.
Even if you’re the guest, you should prepare yourself ahead of time. Whoever is inviting you must know you to some extent. Further, your response to honor the invite is also an indication that you know them. (Agreed, there are cases where you have no option)
More importantly, it also shows you’re ready to deal with however the party will turn out. For instance, your party monster uncle throws a Christmas dinner in his home. Your family has been invited, you can’t say no because of family.
However, knowing who your uncle is, you have an idea of what the party will ultimately be like. It’s easier on your mind if you accept the rather unfortunate reality. Prep your mind from home for whatever may happen.
2. As an introvert, Don’t overdo it.
I understand people make you feel some type of way about your introversion. They talk, they act like you’re weird, you’re not normal, etc. But what I also know is, you can’t win with people. They already think you’re “weird” so just live your life. Don’t overdo the socializing or the drinking
At any rate, only do what you can. Be courteous, be yourself. You’re not much of a public talker and that’s okay. Just do what you can, and don’t go out of your way to please people. The cringe that follows the realization is not worth it. Part of personal growth and development is defining and accepting yourself while consciously working on building and learning with patience, love, and honesty.
3. Set Boundaries for yourself
It is self-love to set boundaries, for your sanity. In honesty, no one is obligated to make you happy, only you can do that for yourself, with help of course.
So, when going to a party-Monster uncle’s house, it’s important to know, they’re going to have fun in their way. That shouldn’t affect you so much. Just do your own thing. Don’t exert yourself trying to ‘fit in’
Despite your disposition towards social situations, you shouldn’t walk around being all doomy and gloomy. Be respectful of differences, even if it’s not mutual.
Giving off a gloomy vibe can make your stereotyping worse, and it’s really immature. Go for a walk and admire nature or just be in your corner after successfully exchanging pleasantries.
4. Excuse yourself politely when it gets too much
Even with this premeditated courage, it is so easy to feel very overwhelmed. That’s fine, as an introvert who wants to enjoy the festivities, we should wisely include this in our strategy for success.
You’re like the super strong main character in a combative movie. The kicker is, his power is chartered by chill cola (yes, Franky FKA Cutty Flam). So when he is out of cola, his super strength is completely depleted and even his hair falls.
Similarly, your determination is like the cola here. It isn’t an endless supply. Naturally, it will deplete and you will need to recharge again and keep fighting till the battle is over.
Politely excuse yourself for some air, when it gets too much for you. Do this as much as you need to. When the situations get too uncomfortable, excuse yourself and walk away.
5. Allow yourself to enjoy the general feeling of happiness
Think of it as creating precious memories. the beautiful thing about festivities is that it has an end. And we couldn’t be happier when it ends.
However, in the meantime, don’t obstruct yourself from having whatever fun you can have. Be happy, and smile at silly things.
Smile at the drunk uncle who’s just being cheerful (while destroying his liver). Smile at whatever cheerful thing is going on, and watch a game between brawlers from a safe space. Honestly, extroverted people are entertaining.
From a good distance, enjoy yourself, and eavesdrop on the latest family gossip. It’s prime entertainment. Enjoy the views, the painting, the home decoration, the library’s collection, the gardens, etc.
6. Engage in activities that you find comfortable
In addition to not doing too much, enjoy things that are comfortable for you. Honestly, they already think you’re ‘weird’ so why not just embrace yourself?
You may never truly succeed if you’re held back by perceptions of yourself. You know who you are and what you truly love. Engage in conversations that don’t spark negative emotional reactions like politics. It’s a happy event, politics and other divisive topics should have no business there.
You don’t even have to engage in personal conversations if you don’t want to. It’s your life. Growing up is realizing its self-love to keep delicate personal information to yourself.
7. Be your true self
Really, instead of running, get comfortable with being the quiet “awkward” one. Some of my family used to bully me for being shy and awkward. Ever since I began paying attention to my person, it’s become my superpower for repelling people.
Truly, I enjoy seeing people squirm because they’re so uncomfortable with my quietness. They just walk away while I continue enjoying myself. I also do an evil victory laugh in my head just because!
The one way you can truly succeed as an introvert is by accepting and loving who you are.
8. soak up some quality alone time to make up
When all has been said and done, there is one ultimate victory. Spending a well-deserved alone time. Just soak up in a warm bubble bath, and light some candles. Treat yourself to some natural oil therapy.
Generally, you may not escape the flurry of events during the holiday. You may successfully evade it in the earlier stages of your life. However, growing up should give you more wisdom and insight (that is if you’re listening).
It is emotionally exhausting dealing with people. Especially when there are so many of them. But, as I said, all things come to an end. And it couldn’t be any better for you to finally move on to your normal life. It’s great to build memories with loved loves. That’s what life and living are. But you’re an introvert and it’s often challenging to actually socialize.
Conclusion; can an introvert enjoy Holidays?
Compromise!
Introverts can enjoy festivities. They just have to do so with consciousness and maybe even a sacrifice. Rich introverts however get to do whatever they want because they can afford to. They can host a party of their taste and no one will accuse them of being weird or abnormal. They are praised for being “creative” “different in a good way”, etc. Do you get the message?
But to those of us less rich introverts, we have to prepare for war with strategies, honesty, acceptance, positive affirmations, self-talk, etc. One thing is for sure, the bright side of festivities is the memories we are opportune to get. It happens once in a good while.
Life is short, try to enjoy whatever silliness you can. You don’t even need to actively participate in any out-of-the-ordinary activity. You just have to experience the happiness in your own little doses, like little treasure boxes. Lastly, God bless our fellow introverted and understanding family and friends.