Welcome to Life Unsorted – aka my corner of the internet where nothing is figured out, everything is mildly chaotic, and I overshare so you don’t have to feel like the only one winging adulthood and pretending it’s all “part of the plan”.
Todays topic: The Festive Period
The Warm, Cosy Bits
There’s something undeniably warm about the festive period.
The food that’s always within arm’s reach, the cosy jumpers that somehow become acceptable daywear, the slower pace of life (no work, if you’re lucky), the permission to rest without guilt. Mornings blur into afternoons, meals stretch longer than usual and there’s a shared understanding that nothing really needs to be rushed. In many ways, it’s comforting – like the world softens for a week.
The Parts We Don’t Always Say Out Loud
But… let’s not pretend it’s all mulled wine and twinkly lights.
Because alongside the warmth, there are the hard parts. The bits we don’t always say out loud.
Family Time (With a Side of Chaos)
Family time, for example. I love my family – they are my absolute rocks – but a full week with everyone under one roof is… intense.
Mum stressing about whether the stuffing has enough apricots in it, the dog causing absolute chaos by distributing mud and fur to every available surface, my brother eating all the food in the fridge that we were categorically not allowed to eat yet, and my dad hovering, unsure where to sit to be the least in the way. It’s loud, messy, loving and slightly unhinged – all at once.
The Gatherings You’re Supposed to Love
Then there are the family parties and gatherings. You know the ones.
Rooms full of your parents’ friends and their children – people you technically know, but have very little in common with, yet are expected to reconnect like no time has passed. It’s a lot of small talk. A lot of “how’s work?”, “are you still living there?”, “seeing anyone?”.
You’re meant to sing about how brilliant your social life, career, fitness routine and relationships are – and the second you offer a slither of honesty, you see it: that flash of judgement plastered across their face before they politely nod and move on.
A Lot of Prosecco (And the Morning After)
And then there’s the alcohol. I love a glass of Prosecco – truly. But a full week of festivities often means a lot of it.
For me, that results in waking up every morning incredibly dehydrated, nursing a headache and feeling my anxiety spiral as my first thought of the day becomes: Oh god… what did I say to my aunt last night? Not exactly the calm festive morning I had in mind.
When Distance Feels Even Louder
With such a big emphasis on family, my long-distance relationship definitely takes a back seat at this time of year.
Distance already comes with its own challenges, but the festive period often means time apart too. That part sucks – and it would suck a lot less if I didn’t then get asked about it every single time I see someone.
- How do you make it work?
- How are they?
- When did you last see each other?
- How’s it going to work long term?
I know the questions come from a good place, but honestly… please, just change the subject.
Food, Feelings & Christmas Plates
Food is a huge, central part of Christmas. And whilst it’s wonderful – and I’m incredibly fortunate to have it – it can also be complicated.
As someone who has struggled with food in the past, this time of year inevitably comes with its difficulties. I’m in a much better place now. I’m no longer terrified of the food scene and I’m genuinely looking forward to enjoying it.
But that doesn’t erase the fact that for a lot of people, Christmas can be really hard when it comes to food – and that is absolutely okay. Take your time. Stay in your own lane. There is no “right” way to do Christmas.
A Little Perspective (For Me – And Maybe You Too)
I’m writing this mostly as a brain dump for myself. A way to maintain a bit of perspective as this week arrives.
Because it is here to be enjoyed – and that’s exactly what I intend to do. But if you’re finding it tough, if you’re feeling apprehensive about a party or the Christmas dinner or the sheer intensity of it all – you’re not alone.
Keep your routines where you can. Go for that morning walk. Take yourself off for some alone time if you feel overstimulated. Remember that you’re still allowed to say no if it all becomes too much.
It’s one week of the year. Enjoy it where you can, be gentle where you can’t – and remember, your complicated thoughts and relationships with this time of year are completely normal.
Because life is, and always will be, a little bit unsorted. 🤍
Lots of love xoxo
Life Unsorted 
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