Mindfully Approaching the Holiday Season
- Janelle De Guzman
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, celebration, and giving, but that’s not typically everyone’s experience. Social media can set unrealistic expectations about the holiday season. However, the holidays can stir up stress, emotional overwhelm, money concerns, and anxiety for many. It’s completely normal to feel both excitement and anxiety this time of year, so it’s important to approach the season mindfully. Here are some tips below to help navigate the holidays with more peace and confidence:
Lighten Your Expectations
Social media can misconstrue our idea of what the holiday is “supposed” to look like. Rather than chasing perfection and trying to cook the “perfect” meal, post the “perfect” pictures, or create the “perfect” day for your family, focus on what’s meaningful and manageable for you. It’s okay if your celebration looks different, and it’s also okay to not celebrate at all.
Plan Ahead
Preparing ahead of time can lighten the stress and overwhelm. You can create a budget ahead of time, schedule when you are going to rest or do self-care, decide which social obligations you want to say yes and no to, delegate tasks (cooking, cleaning, etc.), and organize your environment. Doing little tasks can help reduce overwhelm and increase your sense of control during the holidays.
Give Yourself Compassion
It’s normal to feel emotions like anxiety, loneliness, depression, or frustration during the holidays. Give yourself kindness rather than judgment. It may feel “wrong” to have those feelings during a holiday that’s advertised as joyful, but recognize that it makes you human. Keep a routine to maintain stability, limit social media exposure, and do small activities that bring you joy, such as reading, singing, journaling, crocheting, walking, going out with friends, hugging a loved one, or listening to music.
Connect Intentionally With People You Love
If the holidays bring uncomfortable feelings like depression and isolation, try gently connecting with people you care about. Try scheduling quick phone calls, video calls, or text those who support you, such as friends, family, or your therapist. Focus on people that uplift you rather than those who drain you.
Maintain Boundaries
It’s okay to say no to parties or interactions with people and in places that feel overwhelming, even if that involves family. Boundaries protect your emotional and mental wellbeing, so it’s not selfish to maintain them. You can even craft statements to use when people talk about things you don’t want to talk about or you don’t want to interact with certain people (“I’d rather not talk about that today”; “I won’t be able to stay long, but I’m happy to stop by for a bit”; “I’m not available this year, but thank you for including me”). Try finding ways to participate in the holidays in ways that feel safe for you.
Give Your Body Nourishment and Compassion
People might comment on your body, what you eat, or how much you’re eating, but continue maintaining your boundaries around those conversations as well. You’re allowed to eat what you want, and you’re allowed to ignore or set boundaries with those that tell you otherwise. Listen to your hunger cues, honor your cravings, and give your body the respect and compassion it deserves by nourishing it and being kind to it.
Try Staying Within Your Control
Sometimes unexpected events can occur during the holidays. Your trip can get delayed, you might get snowed in during a trip, or a family member might say something hurtful. Focusing on controlling what you can, such as your self-care, boundaries, and responses, can help you stay grounded during the holiday season.
Not everyone is going to celebrate or enjoy the holidays, and that’s okay. It’s important to stay authentic. Rather than forcing happiness, we can approach this season with mindfulness, compassion, and awareness for ourselves and others. Celebrate and spend the holiday season intentionally and the way you want, not the way society tells you to. For more support during this season, reach out to loved ones or your therapist.
Sources
Abblett, M. (2024, December 16). Curb your inner critic over the holidays with self-compassion. Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/curb-inner-critic-holidays-self-compassion/
Burris, K. (2023, December 15). Navigating the holidays with empathy and self-compassion + how to avoid toxic positivity. Kim Burris Holistic Psychotherapy. https://www.kimburris.com/blog/self-care/navigating-the-holidays
Cohen, S. (2025, November 19). Tips for creating small mindful moments to make the holidays more manageable. Simms Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology. (2025, November 19). https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/tips-creating-small-mindful-moments-make-holidays-more
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