I am a holiday enthusiast.
I was blessed with a family that adores the holidays from Halloween forward. It must be in my DNA, if possible. Yes, it is, lol.
Many people do not share the same enthusiasm as I do. Holidays are difficult for many reasons and those reasons are just as justifiable as my joy.
There are ways to change the perspective if you would like to try. Clearly you don't have to.
I will start with the ones that work for me.
I listen to a lot of Christmas music. Please don't bah humbug me. So much of the music is classic and may remind you of happier times. It is at least very uplifting.
Starting mid-November I over indulge in Christmas movies, Hallmark, Netflix, etc. Why? Because it lightens my heart. Are they corny? Of course! The outcome is predictable, but who cares? Not me. I like to smile.
I recently arranged another cookie exchange, but plan to go one step further. Have a cookie decorating contest for adults. It has always made me happy to do that. Christmas music, cookies, maybe a little wine, plus people I really care about.
Focus outwardly? How so? I share a clinic with 2 other dear friends that takes care of people who are incredibly poor. What I always see, we are in the 6th month, are lots of smiles. People gather and waiting patiently for whatever we can help them with. The true fact is they give more to us than we give to them. They never complain and bring so much meaning to OUR lives. Indescribable. So what could you do to help someone this season? A neighbor, a co-worker, anyone. I can guarantee it will help both of you.
Decorate your home. If money is an issue then pop popcorn, string it with cranberries, make paper rings and put it in strands. You get the idea. Of course you do this watching a Hallmark movie and drinking hot cocoa.
Now if you really detach from the holidays, just go with it. Not everyone loves the holidays. These ideas might pull you back in, but if not, try not to affect someone else's joy.
My sister loves Halloween and her yard is amazing. Maybe you could do something amazing outside your house and then start inside, hint.
There are some people though, that become very sad during the holidays. SAD, Seasonal Affect Disorder is real. If it occurs annually, then reach out to your HCP, Health Care Provider to discuss possible interventions such as counseling, meds, etc. SAD is as real to you as my love of holidays, just opposite poles. You don't need to feel that you have to "keep up" but there may be a different way to approach the season.
I hope this gives you some ideas. As I mentioned, my sister is the Halloween Queen. I am the Thanksgiving Queen. We have 27 plus people gathering Thursday for great food, lots of joy and a very deep sense of pleasure for James and myself.
Happy Holidays.