Christmas can be a happy, magical time, but if you have OCD, it might come with a few extra challenges.
The obsession with ensuring everything is perfect and goes according to your very specific plan puts a lot of extra pressure on you, and extra stress on those around you — and that’s just for starters. Here are just some of the things you’ll likely deal with this festive season if you suffer from this condition.
1. Decorating the tree becomes a meticulous mission.
For most people, decorating the tree is a fun, chaotic tradition. But if you have OCD, it can turn into a precision operation. The lights need to be evenly spaced, the ornaments perfectly balanced, and if one bauble is slightly off, it’s hard to think about anything else. You might spend hours rearranging until it’s *just right*—and that’s okay. Your tree, your rules!
2. Wrapping presents isn’t just a task, it’s an art form.
For some, wrapping gifts means slapping on some paper and a bit of tape. But if you have OCD, those edges better be crisp, the paper smooth, and the bows positioned exactly in the centre. Even a wrinkle in the paper can set off a wave of discomfort. The upside? Your gifts look like they came straight out of a Christmas shop window!
3. The pressure to enjoy the “perfect” Christmas can feel overwhelming.
Every advert, movie, and song paints a picture of the perfect Christmas. If you have OCD, the pressure to achieve that can be intense. The need to have everything just so, from the meal to the decorations, can leave you feeling exhausted. Remember, it’s okay if things don’t go exactly to plan. Sometimes, the imperfect moments are where the real magic happens.
4. Christmas shopping can be an overthinking marathon.
Source: Unsplash Picking the “right” gift for someone can send your brain into overdrive. You might worry about whether they’ll like it, if it’s meaningful enough, or if it’s too much or too little. You might second-guess yourself a dozen times before finally settling on something. Just know that it really is the thought that counts—most people appreciate the effort more than the gift itself.
5. Family gatherings can be a sensory minefield.
The noise, the mess, and the general chaos of a family get-together can feel overwhelming. If your OCD thrives on order and routine, this kind of environment can be tough. It’s okay to step away for a breather or find a quieter corner. Your mental health is more important than enduring every second of the holiday hustle.
6. Cooking the Christmas meal can trigger compulsions.
Preparing the big Christmas dinner means lots of steps, lots of timing, and lots of potential for things to feel “wrong.” You might find yourself double-checking the turkey’s temperature or washing your hands repeatedly. While it can feel exhausting, remember it’s okay to ask for help. The goal is a nice meal, not a perfect one.
7. Your brain might latch onto intrusive thoughts more than usual.
Christmas is supposed to be joyful, but if you have OCD, intrusive thoughts can pop up at the worst moments. Maybe you worry you’ll ruin the day somehow, or you obsess over what you said or did. These thoughts can be draining, but they’re just thoughts. They don’t define you or your holiday.
8. The mess of unwrapping presents can be hard to handle.
Torn wrapping paper, discarded bows, and piles of boxes can be overwhelming if you need things tidy. While everyone else is in full-on chaos mode, you might feel the urge to tidy up immediately. If it helps you feel calmer, that’s okay. Or you can remind yourself that the mess is temporary—and it means people are having fun.
9. Christmas music on repeat can feel like too much.
“Jingle Bells” the first time? Festive. The tenth time? Slightly annoying. The 30th time? Your brain might be screaming for a break. If the constant loop of carols makes you feel on edge, it’s perfectly fine to switch things up. A bit of non-festive music or even some silence can be a holiday gift to yourself.
10. Feeling like you have to keep everyone happy.
Christmas often comes with the pressure to make sure everyone else is having a good time. If you have OCD, this can spiral into overthinking every detail and worrying about whether people are enjoying themselves. Remember, you can’t control everyone’s happiness. It’s okay to relax and enjoy things at your own pace.
11. Changes in routine can feel unsettling.
Source: Unsplash The holidays often mean changes in your normal routine—sleep schedules, meals, activities. If you rely on routine to feel calm, this can be stressful. Try to hold onto a few familiar rituals, even if it’s just a morning coffee or a quick walk. A little bit of normal can help balance out the festive chaos.
12. The pressure to “make memories” can feel intense.
There’s so much hype around creating magical holiday memories that you might feel anxious about “doing it right.” The pressure to make everything memorable can lead to overplanning and exhaustion. Remember, the best memories often happen naturally when you’re relaxed and just going with the flow.
13. You might feel like you’re missing out on the joy.
With your brain working overtime, you might feel like you’re missing the fun everyone else is having. But even if you’re not feeling super festive, that’s okay. Joy isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Celebrate the little moments, even if they’re quieter ones. Your experience is valid, and your way of doing Christmas is just as meaningful.
