Today, I was listening to one of my favorite radio talk shows when the topic of the hour caught me off guard: “Do you feel burdened by Christmas?” To my surprise, the host and many of his guests spent nearly the entire hour complaining about the holiday season. “I can’t stand spending time with my relatives.” “Why do I have to buy gifts for people I don’t even like?” “The pressure is too much!” “The traffic in the stores is insane!” It seemed like they were just venting about all the things they hated about Christmas.
We all know that depression can spike around the holiday season. Some people struggle with being away from family, and others suffer from the lack of sunlight during the winter months. However, what I heard today went beyond that. These were not just people feeling down, they were complaining like kids being forced to do chores. Then it hit me—these folks were suffering from PHLOP.
What is PHLOP (pronounced “flop”)? It stands for Pre-Holiday Lack of Planning—a term I coined to describe what happens when normally organized people turn into Christmas Grinches. Those affected by PHLOP experience a range of symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, sleeplessness, overeating (especially chocolate), and just overall stress. These symptoms prevent them from enjoying the true joy of the holiday season.
PHLOP usually starts when the enormity of the to-do list for the holiday season starts to sink in. There are cards to send, presents to buy and wrap, parties to plan, activities to enjoy, and thank you notes to write. It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed! Add all the details like planning a party, and suddenly you’re dealing with indigestion, a migraine, and a general sense of panic. The root cause of this anxiety is simple: lack of organization.
Do you suffer from PHLOP? Don’t worry—it’s not too late to turn things around, even for this holiday season! Consider the consequences of not planning ahead. Without proper organization, tasks will be rushed at the last minute, often poorly executed, or worse—unfinished altogether. Picture this: you’ve signed, sealed, and addressed your holiday cards, but they never make it to the post office. Don’t let that happen! If you need help organizing your holiday schedule, consider using UnCommon Courtesy & Coaching’s PHLOP Busting Holiday Organizer. You can find it on their Christmas Corner: Holiday Planner.
Now, let me offer some suggestions to help you enjoy the holiday season. First, consider making some of your gifts. Most people only think about making gifts when they’re young, ultra-organized, or low on cash. But you don’t have to start crocheting purses in August to create handmade presents. Baking cookies is an easy, inexpensive, and meaningful gift. Bake a batch of your favorite cookies, divide them onto colorful plates, wrap them in cellophane, and tie with a ribbon. It’s a simple gesture, and who doesn’t love a plate of cookies? Another idea is to create a gift basket filled with inexpensive items that look impressive when presented well. Remember, making the gift yourself adds personal meaning for both you and the recipient.
Another way to embrace the joy of the season is to adopt a child-like attitude. We’ve all heard the advice to view the holidays “through the eyes of a child,” and while that’s important, it’s just as crucial to embrace the fun of the season. Why not start by watching those beloved holiday TV shows and movies you loved as a kid? Take the time to enjoy them again, even if you’re watching solo. Get cozy in your favorite pajamas, make a cup of cocoa, and pile up some popcorn. Then, settle in and enjoy classic holiday specials like “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Apply this principle to all your holiday activities. It’s the little extras that bring the most joy to the season.
For those of you who feel like you should have started your holiday planning months ago, I have one thing to say: now is the time to take action! If your shopping has been delayed, there are still ways to make it manageable. Try shopping early in the morning or late in the evening, or consider shopping online. If you’re feeling stressed, think of this holiday season as a learning experience. Take notes on what went well, what you could improve next year, and what was a complete disaster. Then, create an action plan for next Christmas. It’s never too early to get organized!
In the end, the holiday season is meant to be joyful. It’s the perfect time to embrace the childlike wonder and gratitude that comes with celebrating the season. Take a deep breath, relax, and remember all the wonderful things you have. I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year, and a joyful holiday season, no matter how you celebrate!