When Holidays Are Hard

Help Coping When Holidays Are Hard

The holiday season is often painted as the most joyful time of the year—filled with family gatherings, laughter, and cherished traditions. But for many, the holidays carry a different emotional weight. Whether you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, are caregiving, or struggle with mental health, the holiday cheer can feel overwhelming, isolating, or even impossible to connect with.

If you’re someone who finds the holidays hard, know that you’re not alone. This guide aims to explore the challenges of the season, offer practical tips for coping, and provide resources for support to help you make it through with compassion and care.

Why the Holidays Can Be Challenging

The festive season brings endless expectations of joy and togetherness, but it isn’t always so simple. For those grieving, caregiving, or managing mental health challenges, December can be a minefield of heightened emotions. Here are some of the main reasons the holidays can be difficult.

1. Grief and Loss

Grieving during the holidays is particularly painful as reminders of your loved one are everywhere. From an empty seat at the dinner table to favorite traditions they used to be a part of, it can feel like a spotlight is shining on their absence. One story shared by Alice, who had just lost her mother, reflects just how isolating this can feel, “The first Christmas after she passed, I didn’t want to put up a tree or even acknowledge the day existed. It felt wrong.”

2. Financial Stress

Holidays are often linked to shopping, gift-giving, and indulging in lavish meals—all of which can add financial pressure. Particularly for caregivers or those on fixed incomes, this can cause significant stress. Trying to balance giving joyfully without overextending one’s means can become another source of strain.

3. Mental Health Challenges

Mental health struggles like depression or anxiety don’t pause for the holidays. Social events can feel overwhelming, family gatherings may stir up complex emotions, and isolation can amplify feelings of sadness. Sarah, a young professional managing clinical anxiety, shared, “The idea of showing up with a smile at every event drained me before the season even began. It felt exhausting to just exist during that time.”

4. Pressure to Be Happy

The cultural expectation to feel merry can make emotions like sadness, loneliness, or frustration seem out of place. It’s hard to give yourself permission to feel what you’re experiencing when everything around you screams, “Be happy!”

Practical Tips for Coping with Holiday Stress

Holidays may be hard, but there are ways to manage the season that honors your current state of mind and emotions. Here are actionable coping strategies to help.

1. Create New Traditions

If old traditions feel too painful, don’t hesitate to create new ones. For example, Alice found comfort in baking her mother’s favorite cookies while playing her favorite holiday music instead of attending large family gatherings. A new tradition can be as simple as lighting a candle in memory of a loved one or taking a quiet walk on Christmas morning.

2. Prioritize Self-Care

Don’t forget to take time for yourself amidst the chaos. Self-care may look like scheduling solo downtime after social events or engaging in small acts that ground you, such as a hot bath, journaling, or meditation. For Sarah, yoga sessions during the stressful week of Christmas helped her feel present and mindful.

3. Set Realistic Expectations

Be kind to yourself by setting boundaries and saying no when something doesn’t feel right. If attending every party sounds exhausting, pick one or two events that align with your limits. Remember, you’re in control of how you participate in the season.

4. Seek Support

Lean on your network of trusted friends and family who understand what you’re going through. Joining grief support groups or connecting with an online mental health community can also provide the sense of belonging and empathy you need. Consider sharing a simple “I’m having a tough time this season; can we chat?” People want to be there for you.

5. Focus on Gratitude

While some moments may feel heavy, reflecting on small, positive aspects of your day can help shift focus. Gratitude journaling—writing down one thing you’re thankful for each day—can be surprisingly comforting.

How to Support Someone Struggling During the Holidays

For those witnessing friends or family members having a difficult holiday season, your support can make a major impact. Here are ways to be there for them with empathy and understanding.

1. Listen Without Judgment

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can offer is your presence. Avoid giving unsolicited advice or trying to “fix” them. Instead, listen to their feelings without interruption or judgment.

2. Check-In Thoughtfully

Simple gestures like a heartfelt text or a quick check-in call show that you care. Ask questions like, “How can I make this season easier for you?” or “Would it help if I came over?” Your genuine concern will mean more than you realize.

3. Include Them in New Ways

If the person feels comfortable attending a holiday gathering, make accommodations to help them feel included at their pace. For example, offer a low-pressure lunch instead of a larger, more formal event.

4. Acknowledge Their Feelings

It’s okay to address their struggles gently. Saying, “I know this time of year is hard for you, and that’s okay,” normalizes their emotions and makes them feel seen.

Resources You Can Turn To

If the holidays feel too overwhelming to manage alone, there’s no shame in seeking professional help or guidance. Reach out to these resources for additional support.

• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 (24/7 support)
• GriefShare – Find grief support groups in your area
• Maplewood Counseling – In-person and online therapy tailored to your needs
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Additionally, online communities such as Reddit’s r/GriefSupport or Facebook grief care groups can provide peer support and personal stories.

Cultivating Compassion and Connection

The holidays don’t have to be perfect and sometimes you might have problems with in-laws, nor do you need to force yourself to feel something you’re not ready for. It’s okay to grieve, to feel tired, or to cancel plans if that’s what you need to survive this season. Practical coping methods, a strong support system, and a few moments of self-care can make all the difference.

If you’ve found strategies or traditions that help you manage holiday stress, we’d love for you to share them in the comments! Your input could be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

Remember, you’re not alone—whether through friends, family, or online communities, people want to connect and support you.

When holidays are hard and you need help, reach out. 

Problems with In-Laws