For many people, Christmas can be less about carols and more about the blues. The holiday season can be the “most wonderful time of the year;” but for others, Christmas can feel heavy, lonely, or even painful. It is a completely valid way to experience this time.

The constant pressure to be cheerful, whether from music, advertising, or social media, can add shame, as if not liking Christmas means something is wrong with you. The truth is that for some people the holiday season can bring grief, stress, or memories of difficult past seasons rather than joy.

If Christmas is hard for you, it can help to name what you are feeling without judgment: sad, numb, irritated, anxious, or just “off.” Naming emotions is a first step toward caring for them.

Warren Cooper’s new song, The “I DON’T LIKE CHRISTMAS” Blues, is a fun yet serious reminder to be sensitive to this holiday reality.

Here are Warren Cooper’s tips to cope with the season if you are feeling less than merry:

  • Create your own quieter or alternative traditions that feel more humane and grounding.
  • Limit or skip events that leave you feeling worse afterward.
  • Reach out to one trusted person and say honestly, “This time of year is tough for me.”

Small acts of self-care, like getting the right amount of rest and movement, avoiding excess, or talking with a counselor, can make a meaningful difference in how you move through the season. Acknowledging your feelings can shift how you experience this time of year.

Even if you enjoy the holidays, someone close to you might resonate more with The “I DON’T LIKE CHRISTMAS” Blues than with the usual carols. Instead of assuming everyone is in the same festive mood, consider gently asking, “How are you feeling about the holidays this year?” and really listening to the answer. Simple acknowledgments like “That makes sense,” “or “Thank you for telling me” can help others feel less isolated and more seen in their emotions.

Whether you love Christmas, dislike it, or land somewhere in between, your emotions are real, important, and worthy of care. Feeling seen, by yourself and by others, and hearing your experience reflected in stories and songs can be one step toward a healthier mind in every season.

About the Author: Warren B. Cooper is a Performance Artist and Peace Protagonist from Philadelphia, PA who is a dedicated voice for Justice-Peace. 

He is a Musician, Composer, Producer and Broadcaster, who runs a Production Company (Music Media Ministry) that creates and produces Sacred Justice Media Arts.  He also serves as the Coordinator for the TAKE 5: Stop The Violence Campaign.