The Ideal Christmas According to Instagram

Over the past few days I’ve been thinking about exactly what I share on social media. Christmas is the time of year when everyone seems to be happy, full of joy and having a good time with family and friends – but for some this isn’t always the case.

Not a day goes by when I don’t scroll through Instagram or tweet about something, and usually if not always my posts are positive, sharing only the good things. Throughout December there’s so much talk of gifts and the ideal festive activities to do, but is this realistic and a true representation of what actually happens? Or instead leaving content consumers, like myself, underwhelmed with the Christmas that they have in comparison?

Everyone’s Christmas is different, but the “ideal” Christmas represented on social media seems to be the same, with the best Christmas containing expensive gifts, a beautifully decorated home and everything running smoothly. Of-course it’s lovely to have all of those things, they definitely add to the experience and I’m not saying that I go without them, but what about everything else? I’ll most probably be that person sharing those things on my Instagram/ twitter, but what I won’t be sharing on social media come Christmas Day is the most important and special thing about Christmas – time with family.

Whether it’s just having a catch up with my brother or helping my mum set the table, it’s those times that make Christmas special. Over the past few days I’ve learnt how precious life can be, the materialistic side of Christmas really isn’t important and this year I’m going to make the most of having my loved ones in one place. I’m sure I’ll be on my social media platforms on Christmas Day, but whilst scrolling I’m going to be remembering that one picture, or one tweet really doesn’t speak a thousand words. Just because someone has Chanel under the tree or a gorgeous selection of Christmas food doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the most important thing, or that they are happy!

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and New Year! If you’re feeling overwhelmed when you flick through your social media profiles on Christmas day, don’t compare! I hope I have managed to put my point across well, everyone’s Christmas is different and remember that the most important thing really is family, not the bits that are often shared on Instagram.