November, the official start of the holiday season, is usually a time filled with joy, celebration and family. For me and many of my plus-size counterparts, this can cause opposite types of emotions: self-doubt, anxiety, and isolation, all due to societal expectations and concerns about body image. This article aims to empower my plus-size people who struggle with acceptance during the holidays and give them tips for overcoming this seasonal dismay.
Growing up in a Jamaican family, gathering for family functions was a major source of unease because, one way or another, my weight always became the main concern. The “concern” about my weight created an atmosphere in which I was not even comfortable enough to eat at these functions. For many years, I hated the time of year when the holidays approached. My only wish was for the season to end as soon as it arrived.
Factors That Contribute to Uncomfortable Vacation Times as a Tall Person
The holiday season hasn’t just become an uncomfortable time of year for plus-size people. Several factors contribute to these vibrations: unrealistic beauty standards, media exclusion, and society’s weird obsession with attributing morality to food.
Society often promotes unrealistic beauty standards, which can make holiday gatherings intimidating and judgmental. We deal with this all year round. Then, when we watch media like Hallmark movies (which are a great source of joy this time of year), they show the holiday season as a time for slim bodies, reinforcing the idea that only certain types of bodies are acceptable during this time of year. The lack of representation can cause plus-size people to feel excluded and discouraged from participating in the festivities.
Additionally, certain foods are often labeled as “sinful” or “guilt-inducing,” leading to feelings of shame or guilt when indulging in holiday treats. These factors are just that: factors. Now that we’ve identified and acknowledged the things that can make us a little nervous during the holiday season, let’s move on to my 3 ways to survive (and maybe even enjoy) the holiday season.
3 Ways to Survive the Holidays as a Plus-Size Person
- Practice self-love
Learning to love yourself and see your body in a positive light is the most crucial part of getting through the holiday season, especially when dealing with a family that can be insensitive about self-image. Remember that your worth is not just about how you look, but also do the work to truly love your body. Start by exploring your body and finding the parts you love. Praise your body and express gratitude for its strength and resilience.
2. Find a supportive community
Surround yourself with people who will support you and uplift you. It always helps to have a positive community of friends who support you in the face of negativity. These are the people who will defend you and affirm that you are perfect just the way you are!
Pro tip: Look for plus-size events happening during the holiday season and attend them. Attending events where the emphasis is on positivity around larger bodies will lift your spirits and prepare you for the family time you may be dreading.
3. Speak
It’s okay to express yourself and set boundaries with your loved ones! Setting boundaries allows you to focus on your well-being and be more present during the holidays. When comments don’t align with your views, respond to these triggering statements immediately.
Explain to your family and friends that statements about your body make you uncomfortable and do not align with your opinions. Use your voice to promote inclusiveness. Encourage your loved ones to embrace different body types and challenge them to question societal standards of beauty.
Prioritize Yourself This Holiday Season
As a plus-size girl, I know that while the holidays should be filled with treasured memories, that’s not the reality for many of us. Prioritizing yourself, setting boundaries, and speaking up for yourself can make your holiday season much more bearable. Remember that holiday cheer is not about your size, but about the connections and love we share with others.
