I know what you’re thinking, “Shannon, you’re not an introvert! You are so friendly!” Even my husband’s best friend called me a “socialite” when he found out I met one of my best friends at Qdoba at the drink station. But as those of you fellow introverts know, most of us still love being with people and enjoy conversations and are not necessarily shy or awkward. But if you asked me if I would live in a sorority for a billion dollars I would really have to think about it, haha! So I know how the upcoming holiday season can be especially emotionally depleting to introverts. There are just too many crowds, too much noise, too many flashing lights, too many social commitments and it can all just feel like too much. So I have a few tips for you that I use to help me stay happy and “in the spirit” through the new year.
1. Avoid shopping centers: It starts about a week before Thanksgiving at all the grocery stores and really just hits full speed on Black Friday (or Thanksgiving night) and for us introverts, shopping can turn into a nightmare through the month of December. There are few things I dislike more than squeezing through a loud, crowded store and waiting in line forever. We don’t need anymore stuff anyways. But if you want to buy gifts for your loved ones, go to smaller stores, shop online or make homemade gifts for them. Or at least mentally prepare yourself to go maybe once to the mall and go during the week when it’s not so crowded.
2. Cancel all the things: Haha, just kidding (kind of)! There are some get-togethers that are with your very favorite people and totally worth feeling depleted for. You know what they are and you should say yes. Limiting the amount of time will help. My husband has a gigantic family and we have loud, chaotic, 50+ people get-togethers. Doing that for 2 days feels fun and doable but 2 weeks might make me die. (They are totally reading this right now, haha! I REALLY do love you guys!) Some of my favorite get-togethers have been with smaller amounts of friends or family with the ability to have deeper conversations.
3. Keep a proper ratio: This doesn’t always work out perfectly but it’s good to have something to aim for. I know that if I have a loud get-together full of small talk and needing to be “on” then I am going to feel best if I don’t have any big things planned for about 3 days after.
4. Consider not giving gifts: Some people LOVE giving gifts (like my Hannah) and feel excited and energized by finding or making the perfect thing for all of their family and friends. But if you feel worn out by all of the consumerism, it’s ok to cut back (way back) on the people you are exchanging gifts with. This year we are mostly just doing gifts for our children, with maybe some meat/cookie gifts for our parents and siblings.
5. Make time to be alone(ish): Since I have a husband and six children I am almost never truly alone. But sometimes just ignoring everyone for a while is enough. Get comfy with a blanket, book and some tea or take a long bath and you’ll feel recharged and happier. Sometimes just understanding that this is how we are wired, and embracing that, will help us meet our needs and enjoy the holidays.