Don’t Let These Holiday Joy-Stealers Dim Your Spirit

I hope this post finds you with a peaceful mind and heart.
3-minute read

Photo credit: Rasha Saadeh, Pexels

The holidays can be a mixed bag, can’t they? While they’re often portrayed as magical and joyful, they can also stir up a lot of emotions and memories—some of which might not feel so great. If the holiday season has you feeling a bit overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about some common challenges and simple ways to make things a little easier on yourself.

​Why the Holidays Can Be Triggering

1. Grief and Loss: Missing loved ones who are no longer here can hit hard during this time of year.
2. Family Dynamics: Spending time with family can sometimes bring up old patterns or create tension.
3. Unresolved Memories and Trauma: The holidays can stir up tough memories from the past.
4. Unrealistic Expectations: Let’s be real—the holidays we see in movies and ads rarely match real life. That gap can leave us feeling “not enough.”
5. Too Many To-Dos: Cooking, shopping, decorating, and attending events—it’s easy to feel like there’s no end in sight.
6. Superficial Connections: Spending time with people you only see once a year can feel a little awkward or forced.
7. Differing Opinions and Values: Disagreements about politics, religion, or other sensitive topics can create tension.
8. Overly Personal Questions: Comments about your relationship status, job, weight, or other private matters can feel intrusive or unwelcome.

Practical Coping Strategies
Here are some ideas to help you handle holiday stress and feel a little more grounded:

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve: If you’re missing someone, consider honoring their memory in a way that feels meaningful, like lighting a candle, making their favorite dish, or sharing a story about them with others.
2. Set Clear Boundaries: Limit your time at gatherings if family dynamics feel tense. Practice saying things like, “I’ll stay for an hour,” or, “I’ll need to leave by 8 p.m.”
3. Ground Yourself in the Present: When old memories surface, bring yourself back to the moment with grounding techniques. For example, try the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise: name five things you see, four you can touch, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste.
4. Release Unrealistic Expectations: Remind yourself that no holiday is perfect. Focus on small, meaningful moments, like enjoying a favorite holiday treat or spending quiet time with someone you love.
5. Simplify Your To-Do List: Delegate tasks where you can and prioritize what’s most important. For example, instead of making every dish from scratch, pick one or two key recipes and let others bring something.
6. Navigate Small Talk Gracefully: When talking to people you only see once a year, keep it light but genuine. Ask simple, open-ended questions like, “What’s something you’ve enjoyed this year?” or, “Any fun plans for the holidays?” You can share a little about yourself, then politely excuse yourself to grab a drink or check on something.
7. De-escalate Differences: If a conversation starts to veer into tense territory, redirect it. Say something like, “Let’s agree to disagree and enjoy the holiday.”
8. Handle Intrusive Questions Confidently: When someone asks a personal question, remember you don’t owe them an explanation. You can respond with something neutral like, “I’m focusing on what’s important to me right now,” or, “I’d rather talk about something else.” It’s okay to gently but firmly steer the conversation away.

​Wishing You Peace and Joy
No matter what this season looks like for you, remember that it’s okay to make the holidays your own. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just enjoying the quiet of winter, take care of yourself and do what feels right for you.
Here’s to a season filled with moments of peace and hope, and a fresh start in the new year!

---

Photo credit: Anne McCarthy, Pexels

"May you find light in the darkest days, strength in the most challenging moments, and joy in the simplest of things." - Unknown

---

At Turning Inward Counseling, I’m here to support adults across Ohio on their journey to well-being. My approach is Person-Centered, and I offer tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Strengths-Based and Positive Psychology to help you navigate life’s challenges. I accept a variety of insurance plans and offer a sliding scale for out-of-pocket clients (starting at $85), so help is within reach.

I wish you a healthy holiday season and look forward to seeing you when the time is right for you. Until then….
 
Tracy Hunt, MSEd, LPCC
Owner, Turning Inward LLC
Email: [email protected]
​www.turninginwardllc.com

#HolidayCoping #MentalHealthMatters #StressFreeHolidays #SelfCareTips #HolidayHealing #TurningInwardCounseling #OhioTherapist #MentalWellness #SeasonalSupport    #GriefAndHealing