The holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy, love, and festivity. However, for many people, it can be a difficult time full of sadness, loneliness, and anxiety.

While there are many conventional ways to cope with holiday blues, such as therapy, self-care routines, and spending time with loved ones, some people might resort to some unusual methods for dealing with holiday sadness. Here are some of the weirdest ways people have tried to cope with holiday blues.

Eating Pickles

Believe it or not, some people swear by the power of pickles in lifting their holiday mood. According to anecdotal evidence, munching on pickles can boost serotonin levels, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Some people even claim that the strong taste and scent of pickles can distract them from negative thoughts and emotions. So, if you’re feeling down this holiday season, give pickles a try!.

Watching Horror Movies

While it may seem counterintuitive to watch scary movies when you’re feeling sad, some people find comfort in horror movies during the holidays.

For them, watching gory, suspenseful, or supernatural films can distract them from their loneliness or depression and provide a rush of adrenaline that makes them feel alive. Also, horror movies often depict dysfunctional families or isolated individuals, which can help some viewers feel less alone in their struggles.

Traveling Solo

For those who can afford it, traveling alone during the holidays can be an unconventional way to cope with sadness and boredom.

Solo travel can offer a sense of freedom, adventure, and discovery that might be lacking in the routine of daily life or the traditional family celebrations. Moreover, traveling to a new place can expose you to different cultures, languages, and people, which can broaden your perspective and give you a fresh start.

However, solo travel can also be risky, so it’s essential to plan carefully and stay safe.

Organizing a Grinch Party

If you are tired of the cheesy holiday cheer and want to embrace your inner Grinch, why not organize a Grinch party for yourself and your like-minded friends? A Grinch party is a fun and quirky way to celebrate the season without succumbing to the pressure of gift-giving, caroling, or decorating. You can dress up as the Grinch or any other anti-holiday character, serve green food and drinks, play cynical games, and enjoy some laughs and camaraderie with your fellow grinches.

Just remember not to let your negativity turn into actual hate or meanness.

Creating a Voodoo Doll

This one is definitely not for everyone, but some people have claimed that making a voodoo doll can help them channel their negative emotions and let go of their holiday blues.

The idea is to create a doll that represents your feelings, frustrations, or even the person or situation that is causing your distress, and then use the doll to perform a symbolic ritual, such as sticking pins, burning, or burying. The theory is that by externalizing your negative energy onto the doll, you can release yourself from the burden of your emotions and start anew.

However, it’s important not to hurt yourself or others in the process and to acknowledge that voodoo dolls have no real power or magic.

Playing with Your Pet

If you have a furry friend, then you already know how much joy and comfort they can bring into your life.

But did you know that playing with your pet can also help alleviate holiday sadness? According to studies, interacting with animals can boost oxytocin levels, which can reduce stress, depression, and loneliness. Moreover, pets can offer unconditional love, companionship, and entertainment, which can distract you from negative thoughts and make you feel valued and appreciated.

So, spend some quality time with your pet this holiday season, and let them remind you of the simple pleasures in life.

Volunteering for Unpopular Jobs

Volunteering is a noble and rewarding way to give back to your community and help those in need. However, during the holidays, many people flock to popular volunteer gigs, such as serving meals at a shelter, donating toys, or caroling at a nursing home.

While these are all great causes, they can also be overcrowded and repetitive, leading to burnout or apathy. That’s why some people opt for less popular volunteer jobs, such as cleaning public parks, picking up trash, or washing dogs at an animal shelter.

Not only do these tasks provide much-needed help, but they also offer a sense of satisfaction and autonomy that can boost your self-esteem and motivation. Plus, you might meet some interesting and dedicated people along the way.

Dancing in Your Underwear

If you’re feeling stuck, bored, or uninspired, why not shake off your holiday blues by dancing in your underwear? This may sound silly or embarrassing, but dancing is a proven way to elevate your mood and release endorphins, which can make you feel happier, more energetic, and less stressed. By dancing alone and in your skivvies, you can also express yourself freely, without judgment or inhibition, and rediscover the joy of movement and self-expression. So, turn on your favorite tunes, strip down to your undies, and get your groovy on!.

Meditating in the Snow

If you live in a snowy region and are feeling adventurous, why not try meditating outside in the snow? While this may not be ideal for everyone, some people find that the cold and quiet of winter can help them focus on their breathing, thoughts, and sensations, and achieve a deeper level of mindfulness. Moreover, being in nature can offer a sense of peace, wonder, and gratitude that can uplift your spirits and remind you of the beauty of life. Just make sure to dress warmly, stay safe, and avoid hypothermia or frostbite.

Writing a Vengeful Letter

This is another radical way of coping with holiday sadness that can be potentially harmful if not done properly.

The idea is to write a letter to yourself, a person, or a situation that has hurt or disappointed you, and express all your anger, resentment, and frustration in it. The catch is that you don’t actually send the letter or share it with anyone; you just keep it as a private therapeutic exercise.

The rationale behind this practice is that by venting your negative feelings in a safe and cathartic way, you can release yourself from their grip and move on with your life. However, it’s important to avoid violence, threats, or slander in your letter, and to seek professional help if you’re struggling with intense or chronic emotions.

In conclusion

The above examples may seem bizarre, risky, or even ridiculous to some people, but they reflect the diverse and creative ways in which individuals cope with holiday sadness.

Whether you choose to eat pickles, travel solo, organize a Grinch party, or write a vengeful letter, what matters most is that you acknowledge your feelings, seek support when needed, and find healthy and effective ways to cope with your difficulties. Happy (weird) holidays!.