Managing Christmas Stress
Silly season is upon us!
With the burst of spring and warmer weather, we collectively seem to mirror nature, emerging from hibernation with a wave of optimism and activity. The days grow longer, and so do our to-do lists, as social calendars fill up with end-of-school celebrations and work Christmas parties. Many of us find ourselves swept up in the excitement of the season, often saying ‘yes’ to every invitation, project, and task. The pace of life quickens without our realising. Sound familiar? This surge of enthusiasm is natural, but it can also tip us into overload.
When our schedules become packed and commitments pile up, it can leave us feeling rushed, anxious, and sometimes stretched thin. In this heightened state, our ability to make thoughtful decisions can wane; we may find ourselves reacting impulsively, snapping at our loved ones rather than responding with awareness. Our sleep can easily be affected and we can become easily agitated. On a physiological level, our stress hormone cortisol begins to surge through the body, and we become hyper-aroused—our body’s ‘fight or flight’ mode is activated. While this can keep us going for a while, sustaining this pace can strain our adrenal system, leading to adrenal fatigue and potentially even burnout.
Christmas is a time of diverse emotions and expectations. For some, it’s a season filled with joy and excitement. But for many others, the holidays can be challenging and even isolating. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, this season can bring waves of sadness as you remember those who are no longer here. For others, Christmas can feel overwhelmingly lonely, despite the festive cheer all around.
Christmas often brings us back to old family traditions and reunites us with family members we may not often see and may even find challenging to be around. That saying, “You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family,” resonates with many people during the holidays, as we’re faced with complicated dynamics that can stir up stress, unresolved emotions, and long-standing triggers.
Being around family can often pull us back into familiar roles and behaviours we thought we’d left behind. Years of personal growth and inner work can feel tested, as we might slip back into old patterns that originated within our families. In these moments, it can feel like holding up a mirror to ourselves, reflecting on traits and issues we’ve worked hard to overcome. And this doesn’t even touch on the unique dynamics that can arise with in-laws!
If you’re feeling a mixture of dread or stress about the upcoming holiday season, you’re not alone. Counselling offers a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can prepare yourself emotionally and equip yourself with personal tools to manage the interpersonal complexities of the season. Whether it’s setting healthy boundaries, processing grief, or developing strategies for self-care, counselling can help you bring more calm, clarity and confidence into your Christmas season.
Reach out today to schedule a session with Skye.
