Unwrapping The Festive Season & Traditions by Abby by Abby Doubell

It’s official – it’s upon us… holiday season and family traditions… and with it comes a whirlwind of festivities, from twinkling lights to mouthwatering feasts. While this time of year can fill our hearts with joy, it can also bring unique challenges to our mental health.

Traditions and celebrations are a wonderful way to anchor family members to each other, providing a sense of unity and belonging. Laboratory experiments and field studies show that the structured and repetitive actions involved in such rituals can act as a buffer against anxiety by making our world a more predictable place. However, around the holidays, trauma triggers can be heightened since there are so many recurring sensory elements to the season – songs, smells, decorations, family members, etc.

The reasons given include lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and family gatherings. To make matters worse, the National Alliance on Mental Illness noted that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness felt that their conditions worsened around the holidays.

So, whether you are holding your breath as a result of excited anticipation, or as a result of pure dread, it is important to take stock of which breath state you are in, so as to move you to where you want to be during this time! Let’s be honest, it’s a juggling act navigating family dynamics, the additional outlay of finances, kids time off from school, work pressure, and heightened relational expectations during this time. So instead of it being a juggling act, let’s rather define this time as a balancing act. If every year you are left with the same results of feeling burnt-out, broke, bitter, and hell bent on “never doing it again”, this is an opportunity to journey within.

Find your purpose and passion this festive season.

Here are some tips:

Set Realistic Expectations: Embrace imperfection. No celebration is flawless.

Budget Wisely: Stick to a budget for gifts and festivities to alleviate financial stress.

Self-Care: Prioritize self-care routines, like exercise, meditation, and downtime.

Boundaries: Set boundaries on your time and energy. Learn to say no when necessary.

Reach Out: If you're struggling, don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support.

Gratitude Practice: Cultivate gratitude by reflecting on what you're thankful for.

Remember that the holidays affect everyone differently. By being mindful of the potential pros and cons, you can navigate this festive season in a way that preserves your mental health and allows you to savor the joy of the season, whatever it may look like for YOU!