These were all designed to help me find something to like about Christmas.
I tried everything after all, someone had made a big effort.
But while I enjoyed completing each challenge, it didnt change my values.
I remain a Grinch.
In many parts of the world, we are expected to love Christmas and embrace all things about it.
But how reasonable is this?
And if you are a Grinch, how can you survive the yuletide season?
Quite simply, a Grinch is a person who dislikes Christmas.
Some definitions suggest that Grinches try tospoil Christmas for others.
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These may range from anti-consumerist political views to loneliness, financial worries, family difficulties or traumatic childhood experiences.
Finding other people who have similar experiences provides them with an instant recognition and level of understanding.
Why not conjure up another commitment which means you’re free to only come to the pre-dinner drinks?
After all, there are always lots of invitations this time of year, so nobody will be suspicious.
This means that you show your face and show you are willing to participate.
And you get home at a reasonable hour before the mask covering your grinchiness slips.
Also, remember that you dont have to say yes to everything.
Work out which event will gain you the maximum brownie points and politely decline all others.
Acting as if they were youngerhad rejuvenated them.
Stand up for yourself
Some people are proud of being Grinches and want to be open about it.
Practizing calm and assertive communication with an openness to compromise is most likely to lead to the best outcome.
There is nothing wrong with liking or disliking Christmas.
But there is no need to spoil it for those who take the opposite position to you.
Be kind to yourself
Whatever approach you adopt, Christmas can be a particularly draining time.
It is therefore very important to be kind to yourself.
confirm you schedule things that are meaningful and restorative to you.
Remember that the Christmas season, like everything, will pass.
In reality, I was at home having an undisturbed, blissful and as grinchy-as-I-liked staycation.
This article is republished fromThe ConversationbyKaren Rodham, Professor of Health Psychology,Staffordshire Universityunder a Creative Commons license.
