Navigating the Holiday Blues: Embrace Joy Amidst the Storm

Do you ever feel more sad, lonely, anxious, or stressed around the holidays? Do you sense that everyone else is enjoying this time of year but you? If so, you might be experiencing the holiday blues. In this blog, we will explore how to cope with these feelings. I'm sharing my story to offer encouragement and compassion to those struggling during the holiday season.

The first year I lost my parents was the hardest. The holidays had become such an integral part of my childhood. As I grew older, each time I would try to re-create a family tradition, I would just end up feeling more sad and lonely. My anxiety always seemed to spike in November and last until January. Little did I know back then that I was suffering from the dreaded holiday blues. Let’s discuss this common phenomenon further.

What are the Holiday Blues?

The holiday blues can be described as a period starting in November and lasting until New Year’s. During this time, people tend to feel sad, lonely, anxious, and stressed more than in other months of the year. Unlike clinical depression, these emotions are typically short-lived and usually disappear in January. Several factors contribute to making this time challenging. Some people reflect on previous years when loved ones were still alive, which can feel particularly lonely now that they are no longer with us. During the holidays, there is often financial pressure to reciprocate with gifts, which can make those struggling financially feel guilty for not being able to give. The holidays can also bring about family conflicts and disagreements; many may dread visiting toxic or unhealthy friends and family. This is a time when we may feel compelled to socialize with people we would rather not be around. Now that you have a better understanding of the holiday blues, let’s discuss ways to cope.

How to Cope with the Holiday Blues?

- Re-create existing holiday traditions.

- Create new holiday traditions.

- Try to get an adequate amount of sleep.

- Incorporate physical activity into your week.

- Stick to your regular daily schedule and routine.

- Prioritize self-care.

- Adjust your expectations to be more realistic.

- If you choose to purchase gifts for others, create a budget.

- Try to find joy in certain parts of the holiday, or at least in parts you can tolerate.

- Avoid using negative and unhealthy coping skills.

- Reach out to supportive family, friends, and healthcare providers.

- Use assertiveness skills.

- Treat the holiday like an ordinary day.

One of my favorite examples of coping with the holiday blues comes from a client I saw years ago. This person never liked the food or festivities of Thanksgiving. As they got older, they decided that while others were carving the turkey and enjoying their side dishes, they would host a taco gathering. To their surprise, they had so much fun that it became a yearly tradition with friends. The holiday season can be arduous for many reasons. I hope this blog provides you with helpful suggestions to navigate the holidays.

If this resonates with you, I want you to know that you are not alone. At Like a Phoenix, our team is dedicated to providing compassion and support. We use evidence-based clinical approaches to help meet your needs and assist you in rising from whatever challenges you face.

Maria Peters, LMHC