1.What are some of the biggest stressors surrounding the holidays?
Common stress triggers are found in the stark increase in activity – holiday gatherings, gift giving, dealing with family conflict and the pressure of year-end tasks. But also, stressors surround experiences of grief, loss, and loneliness associated with the holidays.
Strained mental health is impacting an alarming number of people, especially in the wake of the global pandemic. The holidays can amplify mental and emotional unrest even further.
2.What advice do you have for feeling anxious about the Advent/Christmas season?
First, it is very common to experience anxiety around the holidays. Know that you are not alone.
In our noisy and busy world, it is important to carve out time for silence and stillness. This is a holiday gift we rarely give ourselves. Embracing silent moments – in a church or chapel, in the beauty of God’s creation, in our home with calm music, prayer or reflecting by the light of a Christmas tree on a dark night – can sooth us during this chaotic time of year.
If a person realizes the holidays are making them feel anxious or worse, they should not feel ashamed to seek support. A counselor, therapist, or spiritual director can accompany us through dark moments.
While a bit “crazy” the holidays offer an opportunity to change our outlook – like Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” whose perspective was changed by the various spirits who visited him. The first step is being open to the Holy Spirit and humbly looking within ourselves to find the strength to navigate the stressors and anxieties that we may be facing.
3. How can faith play a role in navigating holiday stress?
The Church can provide rest and refuge for those seeking relief from the noise and pressures of the season. Christian traditions such as Advent programs, Taizé (contemplative) prayer, Eucharistic adoration and similar expressions of faith can be helpful for people trying to navigate the holidays.
Reminding ourselves of the purpose of the season, heralding the coming of a Prince of Peace, can inspire us to reach out to Jesus for comfort. Just as he calmed the stormy sea for the stressed-out disciples who called out to him (Mt 8:23-27), Christ longs to calm our own tumultuous waters.
This is a great time to pray not just for our needs, but also for the intentions of others in need – who may be closer than we realize. Mental health challenges can impact everyone, including our families and friends.
If we know someone who may be having difficulty during the season, don’t avoid the topic. The greatest thing we can do is let them know we are available – not to fix anything, but to accompany them. We can offer our presence, listening, kindness, and Christ-like support. We can pray for them, asking God to reveal his love to their souls.
4. Where do you personally see hope during the holidays?
I see a lot of hope emerging around the holidays. That’s why I wrote this book!
The autumn-to-winter introspection draws more people to engage in faith-based activities including the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The holidays can inspire forgiveness, family/friend reunions, and an easing of tensions across communities. We witness unique holiday traditions, increased charitable giving and more frequent “random acts of kindness.”
Studies show a significant rise in church attendance on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including a high number of who are otherwise not practicing the faith. This is phenomenal news. I am grateful for the Catholic faith communities who welcome less familiar faces with open arms, like the loving and generous Father of the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:11-32). This warmth felt in our churches around the holidays inspires me and gives me great hope.
5.What are you most looking forward to in your visit to the diocese over the holiday?
Visiting the Diocese of Gary is always very special to me. My roots are here. When I was writing this book, my reflections on the holidays were frequently wrapped up in the memories of my childhood, youth, and early young adulthood spent in Northwest Indiana.
In the book, local readers will find familiar references to the Calumet Region, as I give witness to hope, which involves my own treasured holiday moments in places like Hammond, Dyer, Merrillville, and Valparaiso shared with family and friends.
I look forward to hearing similar stories from my fellow Northwest Indiana natives, as they share favorite holiday memories and experiences at this upcoming event.
Paul Jarzembowski, a Dyer native who currently serves as Associate Director for the Laity at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington, DC, will present his new book on Nov. 19 at Our Lady of Consolation Vamos Hall in Merrillville. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. A free-will offering for dinner is appreciated. For more information, and to register visit garyoyya.org/hope.