T Breakup Season by Jada Board
The first snowfall, cozy winter festivities, holiday cheer settling in – no better time for… a breakup? Unfortunately, this is a harsh reality for many couples throughout the holiday season. As temperatures grow colder, hearts do too, giving late November and early December the not-so-fun title of Breakup Season.
Breakups peak at several different times throughout the year, like the end of March’s “Spring Clean”; however, the outlying apex is shown to be right around the winter holidays. According to the New York Post, December 11th is declared the unofficial breakup day. A finding supported by a survey from Yahoo! discovered that the time between early December and Valentine’s Day, people are more than twice as likely to consider ending their relationship compared to any other time of the year; but why?
There are countless explanations for why this specific time causes a spike in annual break-up rates. Whether having one less person to shop for at Christmas or not wanting to bring your partner home for the holidays, an underlying issue seems to be the fear of providing serious commitment. Once summer’s rose-colored lenses wear off, we must rethink how we want to spend our new year, even if it means cutting off our prolonged summer fling. Not to mention the infamous “Turkey Drop”; when college students come home and decide to break things off with their high school sweethearts. Before we know it, our hopes and dreams of matching pajamas and Christmas movie marathons are gone with the wind; and instead of mistletoe kisses, we’re left solo singing the winter blues out in the cold.
Let’s not forget how the chilly weather is linked to this heartbreaking upsurge. When temperatures drop, our moods follow suit. For those who deal with seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the falling temperatures can make you feel differently about something you were once so sure about. Psychiatrists explain that shorter daylight hours and reduced sunlight exposure impact our brain chemistry, including how we react to or process certain emotions. This imbalance can affect our serotonin, or happiness, levels and heighten feelings of anxiety. The holidays are already a stressful time, but when mixed with personal struggles, many end up deciding that their relationship is the first thing to go.
If you’ve ever been a victim of Breakup Season, you understand how it can leave you feeling not-so-merry. Heartbreak stings like a cold wind on a winter night but embracing these changing seasons with a positive outlook is crucial. There’s no better time to indulge in the Christmas spirit while reconnecting with yourself and your loved ones. Even at difficult times, breakups teach us valuable life lessons that help shape our future connections and show us what we truly seek in a partner. Don’t forget that even amidst this agonizing heartbrokenness, new beginnings are right around the corner. So, throw on those ugly Christmas sweaters, grab a steamy mug of hot chocolate, and get ready to seize the glow of new beginnings!
Have the merriest Christmas and an even better New Year! – Jada B.
