It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year… Or is It?
By Melanie Burnett, M.S., LCMHCA, NCC
The holidays bring so much excitement and joy. From November to January, we find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season.
There’s…
- Holiday Shopping
- Friendsgiving
- Thanksgiving Dinners
- Giving Tuesday
- Volunteering
- Final Exams for College Students
- Holiday Parties
- Family Events
- Christmas Day
- End-of-the-Year Deadlines
- New Year’s Celebrations
And the list goes on and on.
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
… Or is it? Let’s unpack that.
Throughout my journey as a therapist, I have learned a valuable lesson: when considering people’s perceptions of life, two things can coexist—meaning two lived experiences can be felt simultaneously.
As versatile beings, we can experience two or more different emotions or experiences at once. Although these experiences and feelings may be completely different, they can still hold their unique place as one’s truth without dismissing the other.
When we apply this concept to the holiday season, our traditional yuletide festivities can encompass a range of feelings.
It can be a time of…
- Happiness AND Sadness
- Tension AND Relaxation
- Gratitude AND Grief
If we are honest with ourselves, we’ve all experienced this “and moment” at one time or another during the holiday season. We often encounter unexpected curveballs and overwhelming realities that leave us questioning if this is truly the most wonderful time of the year.
So, for those who are unsure about, or maybe even dreading the holiday season… here are three coping strategies to help you prepare mentally for the holidays.
ONE: Practice Mindfulness and Meditation. Give yourself the space to just be. By allowing yourself the chance to pause, you provide your nervous system with an opportunity to slow down. Simple activities such as deep breathing, prayer, intentional walking, and grounding techniques are great exercises to stay present.
TWO: Set Healthy Boundaries. Learn the art of saying “no.” Bet on yourself. Identify and create conditions based on your current priorities and needs. Setting boundaries may involve restructuring your holiday plans or declining invitations to events you’re not mentally excited about or prepared for.
THREE: Be Realistic. Set achievable expectations for yourself during this holiday season. You are not Superman. Allow yourself the chance to establish simple and attainable goals that help you balance your responsibilities. Being realistic might mean rearranging your schedule to fit your mental capacity rather than that of those around you.
I encourage you to take a moment to honor both sides of your reality—both sides of your lived experiences. Remember the importance of taking care of your mental health by prioritizing your needs as you navigate what may be the most hectic and chaotic time of the year.
Wishing you much rest this holiday season!
Peace and Blessings,
Therapist Melanie
