The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many, it can be far from the “most wonderful time of the year.” One person recently shared that, as someone estranged from their family for over a decade, their best advice is to simply stay off social media during the holidays.
That makes a lot of sense. Social media, especially during this time of year, can feel like a highlight reel of everyone else’s seemingly perfect lives. The truth is, though, that what we see online is filtered—not just through apps, but through the choices we all make about what to share.
Think about it: People don’t usually post about the argument they had with their teenager last night or the dinner that didn’t turn out as planned. Instead, we share the moments that make us look good, that we want to remember, and that we feel proud of. It’s not inherently bad to focus on the positive, but it can create an illusion.
When we scroll through social media, we often forget that we’re only seeing the best, most polished pieces of someone else’s life. It’s like applying filters to a photo—not just to smooth wrinkles or erase blemishes but to curate an image of perfection. This selective sharing means we don’t see the struggles, the pain, or the moments of frustration that are just as real as the smiles and celebrations.
If you’re finding it hard to navigate the holidays, staying off social media can be an act of self-care. Giving yourself a break from those filtered images of perfection can create space for you to focus on your own journey, without the comparison trap pulling you down.
If stepping away entirely isn’t an option, try reminding yourself of this truth: Social media isn’t real life. It’s a collection of moments people want to share—not the whole story. Holding onto that perspective can make scrolling a little less heavy.
Whether you choose to disconnect or to approach social media with a new mindset, remember to give yourself grace this holiday season. You don’t have to live up to anyone else’s curated version of perfection. Your reality, with all its imperfections, is enough.
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