Island Senior: An introvert’s guide to the holidays

Photo credit: Russel Barsh

For the last few years the global pandemic has wreaked havoc with many of our cherished holiday traditions. This has given us all an opportunity to shift to simpler scenarios. We’ve out of necessity had to shift, or in some cases give up, traditions that pre-pandemic seemed permanently established. We have an opportunity now to create new and possibly more rewarding traditions.

But wait — is the pandemic over? While some of my friends have been eagerly filling up their social calendars and planning trips, I’m still wondering where I’m going to find the level of solitude required to learn how to make sourdough bread!

That’s right. I’m an introvert.

Often misunderstood, we introverts don’t dislike people — we just might not want to see all of you at the same time. We need quiet spaces in between activities to regroup. The more extroverted among us might benefit from strategies introverts use to avoid stressing out during the holidays.

Rather than becoming like a ping-pong ball batted from one activity to the next, become the captain of your own destiny. Make a plan. Before your calendar is full, block out days for quiet activities you know you will enjoy.

Spend some quality time with people you love making cookies, watching movies, and taking nature walks. Plan a spiritually renewing retreat. Spend some time with animals. Create your own journaling workshop. These are just a few suggestions to keep the madness of the season at bay.

I recently saw a holiday message from my friend Alejandra Zacci, who works as a life coach. She reminds us, “For those of you who don’t want to celebrate, who don’t feel like celebrating, it’s OK. You don’t have to.” Let me repeat — you don’t have to, and it’s OK. You have free will and are allowed to make choices.

Here’s wishing you and your loved ones the very best of this winter holiday season in whatever ways suit you best.

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