Coping with Holiday Stress: Protecting Your Mental Health During the Festive Season
- nakitajangra
- Dec 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Written by Nakita Jangra – Psychotherapist – BSc MBACP
Introduction
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and connection. Yet for many, it also brings stress, pressure, and emotional challenges. From financial strain and family tensions to the simple exhaustion of juggling multiple responsibilities, December can feel less like a season of rest and more like a season of survival.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. By recognising the challenges of the festive period and taking proactive steps to protect your mental health, you can experience more calm, balance, and genuine enjoyment during the holidays.
Why the Holidays Can Be Stressful
The festive season often comes with high expectations—both from others and from ourselves. We feel pressure to host the perfect gatherings, buy the right gifts, or meet cultural and family traditions. For those experiencing grief, loneliness, or strained relationships, these pressures can feel overwhelming.
Financial stress is another common factor, as holiday spending adds to everyday costs. Combined with colder weather, shorter days, and disrupted routines, December can be particularly challenging for mental health.
The Role of Therapy During the Holidays
Therapy can be a vital support during the festive season. It provides a safe space to talk about difficult emotions, explore family dynamics, and find strategies for coping with stress. Therapy also helps individuals develop realistic expectations, learn to set boundaries, and practise self-compassion—all of which are essential during this busy time.
Consulting and Workplace Holiday Stress
Workplaces also feel the impact of holiday stress. End-of-year deadlines, staff shortages, and financial pressures can strain teams. Consulting helps organisations prepare by encouraging realistic planning, promoting flexibility, and supporting employee well-being during this demanding period.
Practical Tips for Coping
Plan realistically: Avoid overcommitting to events or expenses.
Prioritise self-care: Make time for rest, exercise, and activities that bring calm.
Set boundaries: Say no to invitations or expectations that feel overwhelming.
Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist if you’re struggling.
The Takeaway
The holiday season doesn’t have to be defined by stress. By protecting your mental health, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed, you can find joy and balance in December. Therapy and consulting provide tools for navigating the season with resilience and compassion—for yourself and others.
Reach out: nakitaJangra@gmail.com
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