Navigating the Holidays
The holidays are here again—wait, what? When did that happen? It feels like just last week we were begging for relief from the Georgia heat (and honestly, we might have been). This time of year is supposed to feel magical—twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and festive vibes—but let’s be real: the holidays can also bring stress, awkward family dynamics, and endless to-do lists that make you want to crawl under a blanket and hibernate until January.
(For the record, Christmas is a month away, and I haven’t bought a single gift yet. If you’re in the same boat — solidarity.)
As a fellow human navigating this season, I know how complicated it can feel. One minute, you’re soaking up a holiday movie marathon, and the next, you’re stressing over finding the “perfect” gift or bracing yourself for that one family member’s commentary at dinner.
If you’re feeling both excited and overwhelmed (because yes, two things can be true at once), you’re not alone. Let’s approach this season together—with a little gratitude, a little grace, and a lot of patience for ourselves.
The Love/Hate Relationship With the Holidays
Why do the holidays feel so complicated?
For some of us, this season brings up painful reminders—grief for loved ones we’ve lost, or traditions that don’t feel the same anymore. For others, it’s the juggling act of planning, spending, and managing expectations. Let’s not even get started on how expensive everything gets, from gifts to travel to hosting gatherings. The pressure to stretch ourselves financially thin just to meet the season’s demands is, frankly, exhausting.
Then there’s the family stuff. You know what I’m talking about. Maybe you’re tiptoeing around certain topics to keep the peace, or dreading the same questions about your life for the tenth year in a row. (“Still single?” “When are you having kids?” “Is that what you’re wearing?” Sound familiar?)
It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions about the holidays. You don’t have to love every moment, and you’re not failing if you’re just trying to get through.
Gratitude That Feels Real (Not Forced)
Gratitude gets a lot of attention this time of year—and for good reason. It can shift your mindset in powerful ways. But let’s be clear: gratitude doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine or brushing over the hard stuff. This isn’t about toxic positivity. Gratitude is about finding little moments of goodness, even when things feel heavy.
Here are some simple, no-pressure ways to practice gratitude this season:
Start small. Each day, jot down one or two things you’re thankful for. It could be as simple as “I made it through Monday” or “My coffee was still warm when I drank it.”
Notice the little things. Take a moment to appreciate the smell of fresh pine, the sound of laughter, or the way your favorite blanket feels.
Say it out loud. Telling someone you’re grateful for them not only makes their day—it boosts your mood too.
Gratitude isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s like giving your brain a little high-five.
Giving Yourself Grace (Because You Deserve It)
Let’s talk about grace. We’re so good at giving it to others, but what about ourselves? The holidays have this way of making us feel like we need to do it all: perfect gifts, perfect meals, perfect decorations, perfect everything. But you don’t have to be perfect—despite what Instagram or Pinterest might tell you.
Here’s how you can extend some grace to yourself this season:
Set boundaries. It’s okay to say no. You don’t have to go to every gathering or meet every expectation. Protect your energy.
Feel your feelings. If the holidays bring up sadness, frustration, or anxiety, let yourself feel it. You don’t have to plaster on a smile and pretend everything’s great.
Celebrate the little wins. Found a gift within your budget? Survived an awkward family dinner? Managed to relax for five minutes? Celebrate that!
Grace means reminding yourself that you’re doing the best you can—and that’s enough.
You’re Not Alone
If the holidays feel especially heavy this year, it’s okay to ask for help. Maybe that’s venting to a friend, taking a quiet moment for yourself, or reaching out to a therapist. You don’t have to carry everything on your own.
The holidays don’t have to be picture-perfect to be meaningful. It’s okay if you’re holding both joy and dread in the same hand—that’s part of being human. By leaning into gratitude and giving yourself grace, you can find a little more balance and peace in the chaos.
So, here’s to the holiday season—the good, the messy, and everything in between. You’re doing better than you think, and that’s worth celebrating.
Wishing you warmth, peace, and maybe an extra cookie (or two).
Be kind to yourself,
Hope Nicely, LPC, NCC
Heart Shine Wellness Center
