Managing holiday stress
Finding balance in the festive period
The holidays are coming! Often touted as the most wonderful time of the year, people young and old are looking forward to gift-giving, catching up with friends and family, and a season of merriment. Yet it’s not always smooth sailing.
The reality of the holiday period often involves juggling work deadlines, family obligations, financial strain, and the elusive pursuit of creating “perfect” festive memories. It’s no wonder that what should be joyful often feels overwhelming.
The statistics tell a revealing story. Research from the Mental Health Foundation shows that 38% of UK adults feel more stressed during the festive period, with common triggers including financial worries, family tensions, and the pressure to create an idealised Christmas. On top of this, holiday stress can exacerbate existing mental health conditions, with symptoms of anxiety and depression often peaking in December and early January.
The financial burden alone is substantial. With the cost-of-living crisis still affecting households across the UK, the expectation to spend on gifts, food, and entertainment adds real strain onto already stretched budgets. But it’s not just about money. There’s also the emotional labour: managing tumultuous family dynamics, keeping up with the social calendar, and trying to live up to the picture-perfect images that flood social media. When reality doesn’t match expectation, disappointment and stress inevitably follow.
For some, the holidays also bring back difficult memories or highlight absences – those who are no longer with us, relationships that have ended, or family rifts that remain unhealed. The observable cheerfulness all around can feel isolating when you’re carrying your own grief or struggle.
The truth is, the “perfect” holiday doesn’t exist, and chasing it is a recipe for disaster. What helps is shifting the focus from perfection to presence, from doing everything to doing what truly matters. That might mean setting boundaries with family, saying no to certain invitations, or scaling back on traditions that no longer bring you joy.
Workplaces have a role to play too. December often sees a big rush to finish projects before the year ends, adding pressure on top of personal commitments. Employers who recognise this and offer flexibility, reasonable deadlines, and support for mental health can make a real difference to how their teams navigate the season.
Practical tips for managing holiday stress
- Set realistic expectations: You don’t need to attend every event or cook Michelin star quality meal. Choose what truly matters to you and let the rest go.
- Budget mindfully: Set a spending limit and try to stick to it. Thoughtful gifts matter more than expensive ones, and homemade or experience-based gifts can be far more meaningful than the thing with the biggest price tag.
- Communicate boundaries: If certain family dynamics are draining, it’s okay to limit your time or politely decline invitations. Don’t be afraid to prioritise your own wellbeing.
- Schedule downtime: Block out time in your calendar for rest, just as you would for social events. Protecting your energy is essential.
- Practice saying no: Not every invitation needs a yes. Saying no to one thing means saying yes to your own peace of mind.
This December, give yourself permission to redefine what the holidays mean for you. Because the best gift you can give yourself – and those around you – is a version of you that’s present, rested, and genuinely okay.