Coping With Holiday Stress

What is holiday stress?

Holiday stress is a common feeling when we are under pressure or overwhelmed by the expectations of what a holiday should look like. Holiday stress can affect people of any age, even teens seeing people on the internet have a ‘typical holiday.’ Although a little bit of holiday stress is normal, when the stress starts to become the only thing, you can think about is when it becomes an issue. 

If you can relate to any of the symptoms listed below, you are not alone in your feelings. According to a survey, 65% of Gen-Z feel more stress or ‘holiday blues’ between Thanksgiving and New Years. 

Why is that? The holidays can increase feelings of loneliness or sadness of missing a person or tradition. It can be a fun time of year for most but also triggering, for individual experiences. Setting realistic expectations for what your unique holiday may look like is important. Such as, not comparing your holiday season to others. Everything may seem picture perfect on social media, but it is not always what it seems. Most people do not post their low moments on the internet. 

Setting realistic expectations for your holiday season also means it is important to listen to your feelings and express / talk them out with someone who can relate to you or someone you can trust. Remember, your feelings are normal, and you can control your reaction to them!

Symptoms:

Not wanting to get out of bed or do the things you typically enjoy

You are easily annoyed or are always angry around the holidays

Distracting yourself with bad habits (drinking, smoking, vaping, etc.)

Not getting enough sleep or getting too much sleep

Mood swings

Spending more time on social media than usual

Not spending time with friends 

Not doing self-care routine (showering, eating healthy, clean space, etc.)

Eating less or more than usual 

Feeling anxious, nervous, or overwhelmed

Causes

Loss or grief of a loved one

Financial issues

Divorced families

Parent(s) who work on the holiday(s)

Too many social events

Change in routine

The holidays do not look or feel the same as when you were younger

What to do to better your holiday stress

If you are dealing with loss or grief:

Talk to someone who you can trust, speak to a therapist, join a support group so you do not feel alone 

Take a moment during the holidays to make a speech or toast to the person on your mind

Speak about your favorite memories with them or create an ornament / decoration piece for them during this holiday season

Financial issues:

Remind yourself that the holidays are more than the gifts, but about the quality time you can spend with yourself and family

Find affordable traditions for the holiday time (ex. movie nights, going around town to see Christmas lights, playing games with your loved ones, etc.)

During the holidays some shelters, community organizations, and companies such as hospitals or schools hold toy drives for families who may not be able to afford gifts. Google or ask a guidance counselor for more information and how you can sign up!

Divorced family:

Understand that your feelings are normal

If you are comfortable with it, split time with both sides of the family. Figure out the holiday schedule sooner than later so you do not stress yourself out more

If you are old enough, decide how you want to split time with your family

Speak to someone about your feelings 

The holidays may look different now, but you can create new or continue old traditions with your family

Parents who work on the holidays:

Use the time that you do have them to the best of your ability 

Plan ahead on how you can work around their schedule to still feel the holiday spirit

While your parent(s) are at work, spend the holiday watching movies, baking or doing other holiday activities with your siblings, cousins, friends, or any other family 

The goal is to keep yourself distracted until your parent(s) come back

Not celebrating exactly when everyone else does not make the holiday time any less meaningful

Too many social events

Become comfortable with saying no. Doing too many things means you might lack in other areas, so saying no is okay sometimes 

Take time to also do the things you enjoy during the holidays

Change in routine

Put importance on your self-care and alone time

Taking a small moment to at least do your skin care routine can make a difference in your day

Make a list of your priorities to get back into a routine

Get a planner

Are you home for winter break?

Have a routine for when you are in school and when you are out of school. Time away from school is not always a bad thing, you can catch up with friends, alone time, or hobbies you pushed to the back of your head because school was your main priority

The holidays do not look or feel the same as when you were younger

This is completely normal because the holiday activities done as a kid are different from teen to adult life

Create new traditions or continue old ones but with a twist for your new age

Decorate your room to make your personal space feel more festive

Focus on what matters during the holidays! That can look different for everyone

Be open to change! It is never too late to try something new!