Here’s why the holidays are very different for women than men

End-of-the-year celebrations, idealized as a time of congeniality, sometimes hide the reality of a much less celebratory event: an extra responsibilities for those organizing them. Although these obligations are sometimes full of joy, they can quickly become a burden when they are based on tacit expectations.

For many women, the holidays resemble less relaxation than endless to-do lists. Why does this imbalance persist and how can we rethink it?

increased mental load

Women often find themselves at the center of party organization: planning, cooking, decoration, guest management, etc. These responsibilities are added to the daily tasks that are already mostly undertaken by them. This inequality is the result of deeply entrenched social norms.

Even in couples where both partners work, the distribution of household tasks remains unbalanced. At this time of year, this translates into increased stress for women, compounded by the often unrealistic quest for perfection.

influence of cultural expectations

Holidays are also fertile ground for specific cultural or family expectations. For many people, respecting traditions becomes a source of pressure. For example, meeting the culinary demands of the older generation can turn a pleasurable task into a burdensome obligation.

Interview by Sara Rossi, author and food blogger huffpost It has been emphasized that this pressure has nothing to do with actual female “skill” in cooking, but rather patriarchal stereotypes that have persisted for centuries.

Rethinking the Holidays: Toward Greater Balance

The key to lightening this burden? Better distribution of responsibilities. As blogger and mom Liz Della Croce advises, planning ahead and dividing up tasks helps restore some harmony. ,I prepare the meals, but my husband does the shopping and the dishes.“, she explains.

Involving children in age-appropriate tasks, or hosting potluck-style parties where each guest brings a dish are other simple but effective strategies. It’s also important to remember that perfection is not the goal of the holidays. ,If the napkins don’t match no one will remember, but everyone will remember the friendly atmosphere“, Rossi recalls.