Managing Your Mental Health During Christmas
Posted: December 19, 2023
By: Tara Kong, MS, NCC, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Helpful Tips
Everything can seem more amplified around the Christmas season. Bright lights, loud music, crowds, and parties can trigger anxiety. Here are some tips to help you improve your mental health over the holidays.
● Avoid comparison. Sometimes, social media can make us feel inferior when we start comparing our lives to other people’s. Instead, focus on spending time with family or doing something you enjoy.
● Have realistic expectations. Gathering with family members can be very enjoyable; for some, it brings out tension and strained relationships. Having a realistic idea of what to expect will help curb disappointment and lower feelings of stress.
● Volunteer. Volunteering can help provide a sense of purpose and also help lessen feelings of loneliness.
● Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with grace and practice good wellness by eating healthy foods, getting exercise, and taking time to do things that bring you joy.
● Plan your time wisely. Decide what you want to do on Christmas day and how you will spend your time. Not feeling up to going out? Give yourself permission to stay home and spend the holiday the way you want to.
● Be okay with saying no. Don’t feel like you have to give explanations or justify the way you are feeling. Friends and family will understand if this is a difficult time for you.
● Enjoy yourself without guilt. Sometimes, people feel guilty if they are enjoying the season when a loved one is no longer there. It’s okay to be happy and laugh. Your loved one would want you to enjoy the day.
● Ask for help. If you feel like you are struggling, reach out to a friend or family member for help. Having support or a listening ear can do wonders for improving your well-being.
● Get out of the house. Plan times when you will get out of the house, even if it’s just for a short walk.
Prioritize Your Mental Health During Christmas
There’s no doubt that Christmas can be a stressful time. Whether it’s cooking, baking, decorating, entertaining your children or guests, buying gifts, or going to Christmas parties, the added festivities can be a lot. Try to do your best to help yourself get through the holidays by taking care of your mental health.
Stress at Christmas
Christmas is generally a time of celebration, meeting with family and friends, eating good food, and enjoying festivities. However, for those who struggle with mental health, the Christmas season can feel anything but joyful. Whether it is stress from buying gifts, loneliness at the thought of spending the holiday alone or grieving over the fact a loved one is no longer there to enjoy the holidays with, Christmas can be a time that is challenging for many people.Helpful Tips 
Everything can seem more amplified around the Christmas season. Bright lights, loud music, crowds, and parties can trigger anxiety. Here are some tips to help you improve your mental health over the holidays.
● Avoid comparison. Sometimes, social media can make us feel inferior when we start comparing our lives to other people’s. Instead, focus on spending time with family or doing something you enjoy.
● Have realistic expectations. Gathering with family members can be very enjoyable; for some, it brings out tension and strained relationships. Having a realistic idea of what to expect will help curb disappointment and lower feelings of stress.
● Volunteer. Volunteering can help provide a sense of purpose and also help lessen feelings of loneliness.
● Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with grace and practice good wellness by eating healthy foods, getting exercise, and taking time to do things that bring you joy.
● Plan your time wisely. Decide what you want to do on Christmas day and how you will spend your time. Not feeling up to going out? Give yourself permission to stay home and spend the holiday the way you want to.
● Be okay with saying no. Don’t feel like you have to give explanations or justify the way you are feeling. Friends and family will understand if this is a difficult time for you.
● Enjoy yourself without guilt. Sometimes, people feel guilty if they are enjoying the season when a loved one is no longer there. It’s okay to be happy and laugh. Your loved one would want you to enjoy the day.
● Ask for help. If you feel like you are struggling, reach out to a friend or family member for help. Having support or a listening ear can do wonders for improving your well-being.
● Get out of the house. Plan times when you will get out of the house, even if it’s just for a short walk.
Prioritize Your Mental Health During Christmas
There’s no doubt that Christmas can be a stressful time. Whether it’s cooking, baking, decorating, entertaining your children or guests, buying gifts, or going to Christmas parties, the added festivities can be a lot. Try to do your best to help yourself get through the holidays by taking care of your mental health.
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