Deck the Halls? First Let’s Untangle Them

The holidays are coming at us full steam, and some of us are feeling the pressure from all of that heat. This is a complicated time. On the surface, they’re marketed as a season of joy, connection, and magic—but beneath the twinkling lights and matching pajamas, many of us feel something much heavier. Whether it’s the pressure to honor traditions, the invisible labor of creating holiday cheer, or the endless cycle of consumption, this time of year often stirs up more exhaustion than celebration.

For me, it comes down to three cultural forces that shape and warp this season: religion, the patriarchy, and capitalism. Together, they create a perfect storm that leaves me feeling less Holly Jolly and more Bah Humbug.

This series explores how each of these forces impacts our experience of the holidays:

1. Religion: The Sacred and the Shoulds
   How evolving or shifting faith can bring devastation and doubt, especially when traditions or expectations no longer feel authentic.

2. The Patriarchy: Women as the Keepers of Cheer
   The invisible burden women carry to make the season magical, and the frustration of performing happiness while others enjoy it effortlessly.

3. Capitalism: Buy Your Way to Happiness
   The transactional nature of the holidays, and how capitalism exploits our desire for joy and connection.

In each post, I’ll reflect on my own struggles with these themes and invite you to untangle them with me. My hope is to create space for honesty, nuance, and a bit of relief—to remind you (and myself) that we’re not alone.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, resentful, or just plain tired of the holiday hustle, this series is for you. Let’s question the expectations, reclaim what feels real, and redefine this season together.