Among all the major holidays, I’d say my favorite is Hari Raya, while my least favorite has to be Chinese New Year.
As someone who isn’t interested in socializing, gatherings, or house visits, Chinese New Year feels like a tiring series of social obligations. Growing up, I went from receiving red packets to giving them, and on top of that, preparing all sorts of festive gifts is both mentally and financially draining.
In contrast, during Raya, when I take a holiday, I can truly enjoy it. Our Malay colleagues often bring plenty of food to share at the hospital and clinics, and most organizations have an unspoken understanding to avoid launching projects during the festive month. This allows us to truly relax and enjoy the time off.
The Pressure of Festivities
I believe everyone, after stepping into adulthood, has experienced the pressure that comes with festive celebrations. In psychiatry, we often see that patients with previously stable mental health conditions tend to relapse around their major festive seasons.
Whether it’s depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, many patients experience annual relapses during festive periods.
- For Chinese patients, it’s usually during Chinese New Year;
- For Malay patients, it’s often around Raya.
- For Indian patients, it’s Deepavali and Thaipusam.
Festivals Can Be Stressful
Celebrating a major festival inherently brings pressure. I recall several patients who live normal, stable lives throughout the year but struggle during the festive season due to the inevitable judgment from relatives. Those “aunties and uncles” who love to comment on everything can greatly affect their emotional well-being.
Sometimes, the disruption of normal routines—late nights, overeating, and even forgetting to take medication—can trigger a relapse.
For business owners, some experience extreme stress when business is booming during certain festive periods, while others worry about the downturn during off-peak seasons. Small business owners who need to give out employee bonuses and red packets often feel the financial strain as well.
But the ones who bear the brunt of it all are housewives.
During the festive season, they are overloaded with tasks—cleaning, preparing gifts, cooking, serving tea, entertaining guests, and washing dishes. If their partners don’t help and lack understanding, it’s truly exhausting, both physically and mentally.
Be Kind and Understanding
As Chinese New Year approaches, while we celebrate with joy, let’s not forget that for many, the festive season is a time of increased stress. If you notice someone struggling, show them a little extra care and understanding.
Wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year!
