IT’S FIVE O’CLOCK in the evening on the last day of the Christmas holidays, and many people are experiencing the first signs of what has become known as Post-Christmas Holiday Fear (PCHF).
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Though no one can describe the symptoms for sure, experts have ascertained that it typically peaks at around 9pm on a Sunday evening – for some it can involve a tightness in the chest, general sluggishness, irritability, and anxious feelings.
If you’re not sure what you or a loved one is feeling, here are some easy signs to watch out for, and some quick remedies for PCHF.
1. Pyjamas
A person in the depths of post-Christmas holiday fear will likely be wearing pyjamas. The pyjamas in question have probably been in heavy rotation since around Christmas Eve.
It’s important now to re-introduce them to what normal clothes feel like, and advise them as to how to dress themselves for work in the morning.
Do not mention anything about shoes. It may be too much for them.
2. Intense need for human contact
Someone suffering from the fear will probably desire some light hand-holding, perhaps a cuddle or two. Just for a few minutes, until they feel better.
3. Unwillingness to take down the Christmas decorations
Taking down the decorations is too significant a gesture to someone going through intense fear. Perhaps hold it off for another, less fear-laden day.
4. Excessive food consumption
They call it comfort food for a reason. Allow it.
5. Penchant for making desperate promises
Doing Dry January. Becoming more financially austere. Eating less junk.
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A person in the throes of post-Christmas holiday fear will do anything, ANYTHING, to make themselves better about returning to normal life.
6. Befuddlement
A fear-sufferer will often ask themselves: “What is it I do for a living again?”, “Will I be able to do it tomorrow?”, and “Will everyone find out that I can’t do it, and kick me out?”
Bolster their confidence a bit. They need it.
7. A tendency to snap
All this befuddlement leaves people with the fear prone to irrational anger. It would be wise at this point to avoid making any personal comments about the sufferer.
8. Time slippage
It’s 5pm, and sure – it still feels like the day could go on forever.
But just as 11am swiftly turned to 4pm, 5pm will become 10.30pm. At that point, the fear-sufferer will take to sighing, and let out a cry of: “Where did the holidays go at all?”
9. Reluctance to sleep
Wanting to stay as far away from the following morning as possible is common amongst fear-sufferers. Gently advise them that going to bed is really the best possible option.
They do have to be up for work in the morning.
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