For some, every Christmas is a great time to visit and see family members they haven’t seen in a long time. Individuals plan decorations, flights, ugly Christmas sweaters, presents, and more months in advance to ensure they will be with their loved ones. Many families gather around the Christmas tree together with their children, parents, grandchildren, and siblings and sing songs to bring in the holiday cheer.
There’s nothing like a dope song playing on the radio, music playlist, record player, or cd by one of our favorite artists. Particularly during the Christmas holiday, we listen to traditional well-known songs from “Rudolph the rednosed reindeer” to “Joy to the world”. Not everyone enjoys this holiday season. Many who have experienced trauma, whether they have lost a loved one or experienced something heartbreaking, find it hard to find comfort.
Music therapy can play a major role in changing the mood and perspective of someone struggling during the holidays. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy addresses trauma by providing:
• Non-verbal outlets for emotions associated with traumatic experiences
• Anxiety and stress reduction
• Positive changes in mood and emotional states
• Active andpositive participant involvement in treatment
• Enhanced feelings of control, confidence, and empowerment
You May Also Like
• Positive physiological changes, such as lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and relaxed muscle tension.
Although not everyone can attend a music therapy program, there are daily opportunities to use some of the techniques in the comfort of their own home.
Here are some simple, daily music therapy tips to help cope during the Christmas season.
Christmas Karaoke
There’s nothing like surrounding yourself around a group of amazing friends to sing, laugh, dance, and unwind. Regardless of the holiday, karaoke is always a great excuse to let go and be yourself. Trust, you’ll definitely put on a smile on your face once you start to have fun.
Decorate For the Holiday With A New Favorite Song
Whether you decide to stay home or go out for Christmas, getting into the holiday spirit by decorating tends to change your mood. It doesn’t have to be big or even fancy. Just try to take out some time and do something special in your home that will create a new memory that you will treasure with your new favorite song playing.
Attend A Holiday Parade
I know, I know. It may be cold or snowing where you are and one of the last things you want to do is be cold. Guess what? There are hundreds of people that gather together for the smiles, hot chocolate, laughter, and music to create new fun memories. Why not? Getting out the house is just what you need and it’s better to do it around people that are excited and geeked to see you along with their community.
Lastly,
Buy and Wrap Your Own Gift on Christmas Eve
Yes, I said it. Buy and wrap your own gift. Some people don’t have family or friends to visit for Christmas that can give them a gift or embrace them. Instead of soaking and feeling sad, there’s nothing wrong with buying something for yourself and opening it Christmas Day to remind yourself that you are not forgotten and you are loved. Even when you just have to love on yourself.
