Holiday Bliss and Blues

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… isn’t it? A precious season full of picture-perfect moments with family and friends. Except, it isn’t. Not for everyone. Not for those navigating challenging family dynamics, parents carrying more than their fair share of the burden, those missing a loved one, or those who long to participate in the holiday magic but instead wrestle with financial limitations. There is so much pressure around what the holidays should look and feel like, and it perpetuates a sometimes stressful or lonely cycle for many people. This season is meant to be one of joy and connection—so how do we reclaim that when so many other factors get in the way?

First things first: acknowledge the false narrative promoted by social media and corporate marketing. Life doesn’t suddenly become easier just because the year is ending. You are not failing. You are not alone. You are not letting anyone down. You are right where you are meant to be. The gap between what we’re told the holidays should look like and what we actually experience can amplify guilt, especially when we don’t have the capacity to bring sunshine and rainbows into social gatherings.

So I want to offer a gentle challenge to those battling the holiday blues: use this time to show yourself a little extra sweetness. Only you know what that looks like, even if you have to dig deep and really think about what works for you. Maybe it’s turning off the radio during your commute and focusing on a grounding mantra. Maybe it’s talking to a photo of a loved one you won’t get to hold this year. In whatever way feels safest and most natural, allow yourself to be present with the painful parts of the season. Yes, I know—that sounds counterintuitive. But normalizing difficult experiences is an important part of caring for ourselves. It’s equally important to show up for yourself in those moments.  

If I had a magic wand that could make every hurt, rejection, and stress disappear, I would use it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, I don’t. What I do have is the deep conviction that you deserve care and comfort, no matter what you’re facing right now. Whether this holiday season finds you lighting candles or decorating a tree, may it also find you showing yourself compassion, listening to your needs, and moving forward with gentleness into the new year… in whatever way that is meaningful to you.