A Therapist’s Take on Staying Well During the Holidays
The holiday season often creates a mix of experiences — moments of connection, meaningful traditions, and also added demands on time, energy, and finances. Many people find themselves navigating more stress than usual this time of year, and it can feel challenging to balance everything at once.
From a therapist’s perspective, it’s helpful to approach the season with realistic expectations and supportive practices that keep you grounded. You don’t have to do everything, meet every request, or feel a certain way just because it’s the holidays. What matters most is staying connected to what you genuinely need and what feels manageable for you.
Below are several practical, steady ways to care for yourself while moving through the season in a way that supports your well-being.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Simplify
You may not have the same bandwidth — emotionally, mentally, or financially — that you’ve had in previous years. This is normal. Life circumstances shift, and the holiday season will look different depending on what you’re carrying.
Simplifying can be a helpful and appropriate choice, such as:
- Scaling back or adjusting traditions
- Choosing smaller gatherings
- Being thoughtful with spending
- Protecting quiet time rather than overbooking
Simplifying is not “doing less than everyone else.” It’s choosing what fits your current reality.
2. Know and Communicate Your Limits
The holidays often increase requests for your time, attention, and emotional energy. Many people feel pressure to say yes to everything, which can quickly lead to overwhelm.
It’s healthy to express limits like:
- “I’m keeping things lighter this year.”
- “I don’t have the capacity for additional plans right now.”
- “I’m being more intentional with my budget this season.”
Clear communication prevents burnout and supports a more balanced experience for you and the people around you.
3. Focus on Meaningful Connection, Not Perfection
Connection doesn’t require elaborate plans or ideal circumstances. Some of the most grounding moments are simple and genuine.
Meaningful connection might look like:
- A relaxed conversation
- A shared meal at home
- Time with one or two supportive people
- Sending a thoughtful message
- Creating small rituals that bring comfort
You don’t have to create a picture-perfect holiday. Consistent, authentic connection often matters far more.
4. Allow Yourself Your Actual Feelings — Including Grief
It’s common for people to experience a wide range of emotions during the holidays — from joy and gratitude to stress, nostalgia, or emotional fatigue. You don’t have to “feel festive” or match anyone else’s experience.
For many people, grief becomes especially present this time of year. You may genuinely miss loved ones more, feel the absence of certain relationships, or notice that traditions bring up complicated memories. You might also feel pressure to be excited or cheerful when, internally, you’re navigating loss or longing.
Letting your feelings be what they are (without judgment) is an important part of staying grounded and emotionally healthy during this season.
5. Pay Attention to Signs You Need Extra Support
The holiday season can bring out old patterns, intensify stress, or highlight areas of life that feel unsettled. If you notice increased irritability, anxiety, withdrawal, or feeling overwhelmed, it may be a sign that you could use additional support.
Therapy provides a steady space to talk things through and develop practical strategies for navigating challenges, both during the holidays and beyond.
6. Remember: You Are Not Responsible for Everyone Else’s Feelings
A theme we hear from clients every year is the sense of responsibility they feel for everyone else’s happiness. While it’s completely normal to want the people you care about to have a good holiday, it’s not your job to manage other people’s emotions, experiences, or reactions.
Other people’s feelings are influenced by their own histories, expectations, and inner worlds — things you can’t control. When you take their experiences personally or try to carry them on your shoulders, it creates unnecessary stress and pressure.
You can show up with kindness and care while still letting go of what isn’t yours to hold.
Final Thoughts
Holiday wellness is not about creating a flawless season. It’s about staying aligned with what you can realistically manage, offering yourself understanding, and choosing what supports your well-being, not what looks perfect from the outside.
If you’d like support navigating this time of year, or you’re ready to work on creating more balance and clarity in your life, contact our Intake Coordinator at 949-236-1990 or intakes@lisaeatontherapy.com, or visit our Get Started page to learn more.
