I Don’t Like New Year’s Eve!” — What Lies Behind These Words 0 8

December, gray weather, lack of sunlight, stress and lack of sleep, ailments — many people burn out by the end of the year from daily routines, and then there are new concerns ahead — the hectic and demanding New Year that requires preparation, spending, and planning. Therefore, some prefer to restore their strength and rest rather than dive headfirst into the public holiday, explains the psychologist. But this is just one of the reasons for the dislike of New Year’s Eve.

"I Don’t Celebrate New Year’s Eve": What’s the Reason

"It’s easier to say, ‘I don’t like holidays and I don’t celebrate New Year’s Eve,’ than to explain that you’re tired and just want to be alone or only with close ones, to rest and recharge, to replenish your social battery by avoiding communication,” says psychologist Yulia Koroleva.

It also happens that some people are introverts by nature: they prefer communication in small groups or to be alone with themselves. For such people, the dislike of the holiday is due to their temperament traits.

"Conflicts within the family can exacerbate negative attitudes toward holiday events,” continues the psychologist. “For some, this can be an additional burden and obligations, which diminishes the desire to celebrate New Year’s Eve at all."

Moreover, the very preparation for celebrating New Year’s Eve includes many organizational aspects: buying food, decorating the space, selecting outfits, purchasing gifts.

"All of this requires resources and time, including financial expenses, which causes tension and dissatisfaction. It’s easier to refuse the entire procedure than to cope with the additional burden,” says the expert.

The dislike for New Year’s Eve can also be influenced by the obvious ‘consumer’ undertone of the holiday, where we are literally forced to shop. This year, Christmas trees and decorations appeared in stores excessively early — as early as the beginning of November.

"Initially, the holiday expressed cultural values, but now it has turned into a mass consumer event. New Year symbolizes hope for a better future, prompting reflection on the past. Recently, the holiday seems to have lost its true meaning, representing merely a hollow ritual,” says the psychologist.

When the Reasons for Dislike Come from Childhood

Sometimes, people experience negative emotions or indifference toward celebrating New Year’s Eve due to childhood memories.

"Childhood experiences are one of the main factors influencing attitudes toward many things in adulthood, including New Year’s Eve,” explains Yulia Koroleva. “For example, if parents regularly had fights and scandals during the holidays, the child forms a lasting association of holidays with conflicts and stress. Such associations persist and carry over into adulthood, shaping a negative perception of any festive atmosphere."

Additionally, in some families, New Year’s Eve might have been perceived by parents not as a holiday but as an obligation, with routine and hassles, and some might have worked on that day, leaving all the preparation to the children.

"For them, preparing for the celebration could be seen as hard work, devoid of pleasure and the anticipation of magic,” explains the specialist.

If the family did not celebrate holidays or pay attention to them, the holiday is not remembered and becomes just another ordinary day, devoid of any meaning.

"Also, a tragic event could have occurred on New Year’s Eve, such as the loss of a relative or a breakdown of family ties; due to past traumas and memories, a person experiences irritation and discomfort, leading to a rejection of the holiday,” explains the expert.

If You Are Alone

Another reason for the dislike of New Year’s Eve is related to loneliness. Many perceive New Year’s Eve as a symbol of family celebration, harmony, and the absence of a partner or close relationships, relatives intensifies feelings of alienation and sadness. This is especially common among elderly people who are left without the support of children or friends.

"This problem is exacerbated by advertising, which emphasizes how to celebrate New Year’s Eve ‘correctly and perfectly’: gathering with close ones or friends, with family, singing, dancing, giving gifts, and having fun. Someone may feel excluded from this scenario,” says Yulia Koroleva.

Don’t Roll Your Eyes

It’s important not to judge but to understand those who are not ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve, refuse to go to parties, or even intend to go to bed before midnight on December 31.

"Everyone has their own opinion; it doesn’t mean that something is wrong with the person. One can have their own reaction to the holiday, and this is completely natural and normal,” says the psychologist. “It’s important to listen to your needs and desires, creating your own comfortable way of celebrating, whether it’s a cheerful gathering with friends, a holiday with close ones or favorite things, or not celebrating at all — spending New Year’s Eve at work, resting, or recovering strength and health.