12/15/2025
Thoughts of the day from a therapist…
I was driving, listening to Christmas music just the other day and the songs line was, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year”. I paused at the moment and thought, “for some people maybe”. Under the “ideal” situations. Although for many people during this time of the year is not wonderful and can be hard to get through as a season.
Situations where there have been losses such as death, divorce, isolation, alienation, financial loss and so forth can be amplified during holiday seasons. This can be the reality that people live and struggle with more pressure with feelings during this time of the year, because we are led to believe this is a great time of the year, and herein lies the pressure. I am not here to condemn the people who love this season and are fortunate to feel joyous. I am here to encourage to consider that this time of the year maybe we can take a minute to understand that people around us maybe struggling this time of the year. Perhaps even if we are lucky enough to feel mostly “blessed” we also can have moments of other feelings other than joy or happiness. This is normal and ok.
Things to consider…
1. Be kind and considerate to yourself and others. We are all going through life, doing the best we can, and we all have days or moments that can hold grief and sadness around the Christmas Holidays.
2. Take time to honour your feelings when they show up. Hold space for all the feelings that show up because they belong to you and your experiences.
3. Ask your friends and family how they are doing if you suspect this time of the season is more difficult for them. You just need to listen and hold space for them. Offer empathy and compassion.
4. Create new family traditions which include “experiences” rather than “things”. Creating the value that connection with others, loved ones is what is important.
5. Avoid “numbing”. Numbing can include scrolling social media, addictions, working, any activity that takes us away mindlessly, so we don’t have to sit with our feelings.
6. Educate yourself around managing uncomfortable feelings through reading books, listening to podcasts, audiobooks, you tube videos, workshops, practising good self-care. Theres a world of information at our fingertips. When looking at information sources look at if they have credibility and come from a reputable knowledge base.
7. Reach out for professional help if your feelings of sadness, grief, struggle or hopelessness get work. Talk to a therapist or your doctor.
8. Most importantly, choose kindness… Choose kindness for yourself by taking time for yourself and having appropriate boundaries around your time and commitments. Choose kindness when you’re tired and weary. Choose kindness with others. Be kind. Remember that everyone is fighting their own battles and even if we are a small kind act through kind words, a smile or a hug it might make all the difference in someone’s day.
