People often think of the holidays as a beautiful time of happiness, family, and celebration. For many, it lives up to the promise—time spent with family and friends, holiday rituals, and moments of thankfulness can warm the heart. But for some, the holidays can be anything but happy. They might feel stressed, alone, or even sad. Knowing how complicated this time of year can make us feel can help us get through it with compassion and strength.
The Good: Happiness, Thanks, and Connection For some, the holidays are the best time of the year. People like these enjoy: Spending time with loved ones: Seeing family and friends again often makes ties stronger and tells us how important community is.
Traditions and rituals: Doing things that have been done for a long time, like decorating a tree, lighting candles, or having a special meal, makes you feel safe and at ease.
The spirit of giving: Being kind to others, whether it's through gifts or payments, can make you feel happier and give you a sense of purpose. But even though the holidays are a time to celebrate and connect with others, they can also be hard in ways that affect mental and emotional health. Stress, loneliness, and grief are what it's really like.
Stress and strain A lot of things need to be done around the holidays, like shopping, cooking, decorating, and making plans. Many people feel stressed out because of all the pressure to have the "perfect" vacation, which is often fueled by social media. It's not a surprise that people are more stressed during this time because of the extra money they have to spend on gifts and trips.
Feeling alone and lonely Not everyone can celebrate with family or close friends. The holidays can make people feel even more alone if they don't have close friends or family nearby. If you feel like you're "missing out," looking at perfect Christmas photos online might make you feel even worse.
Sadness and Loss For people who have lost a loved one, the holidays can be both sad and happy. It can be hard to feel happy when traditions and memories make you think of someone who is no longer with you
Seasonal Affective Disorder- Short FormSome people's depressed symptoms can start or get worse in the winter because the days are shorter and there is less sunlight. It can be even harder to deal with while it's also the holiday season. Ways to keep your emotional health in good shape No matter how much you love or hate the holidays, there are things you can do to keep your mental health in good shape during this time of year.
Make sure your goals are reasonable
It's simple to get caught up in the thought of the "perfect holiday." Focus on what's most important to you instead of trying to be great. If you feel like you have to keep up customs or promises that don't make you happy, let them go.
Take care of yourself
In the middle of all the chaos, make time for self-care:
Sleep enough.
Eat healthy meals and don't overdo it on holiday treats.
Do something, even if it's just going for a short walk outside.
Make a connection
If you feel lonely, try to find ways to connect with other people:
Go to Christmas events or get-togethers in your area.
Help out a charity or neighborhood group by volunteering.
Talk to your neighbors or friends; they may be feeling the same way.
Accept your grief
If you've lost someone close to you, the holidays may make you feel bad. Let yourself cry. You might want to start a ritual that remembers them, like lighting a candle or telling stories.
If you need help, get it.
Don't be afraid to ask for help if your sadness or worry gets too much. Talk to a friend, family member, or mental health expert that you trust. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can also be called 24 hours a day, seven days a week for free, private help.
A Time to Show Kindness
Different people have different holiday looks. For some, these are happy times, but for others, they're hard times. It's important to be kind to yourself and the people around you this time of year, no matter where you are on that scale. Don't worry if your holiday doesn't look like something from a Hallmark movie. This holiday season can be useful to you if you pay attention to what's important and take care of your mental health. Sometimes it's enough to know that you're not the only one who feels that way!
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