Written by Parker Pothier
This time of year, it is common for clients to bring up concerns in therapy related to coping during the holiday season. Clients worry about having uncomfortable, awkward, or downright hurtful interactions with family. They feel obligated to attend large workplace functions but struggle deeply with social anxiety. Some clients are missing someone, and others have hard memories associated with holidays. For those experiencing family estrangement, holidays can feel particularly lonely. Many folks face financial stress and food insecurity this time of year as well.
Whatever heaviness the season brings you, there are things you can do to lighten the load. You are in control of your experience and can find some relief. You don’t have to like the holidays, but finding ways to neutralize the hard parts can be supportive.
Here are some prompts to consider:
Make a “challenging event I feel like I need to attend” Bingo card, featuring spaces that say things like, “Someone asks why I’m not married yet,” or, “Someone complains about the food.” Making a hard event a little bit playful can give you a bit of distance from the stress. This can be a mental activity or blank Bingo cards can be printed from the web.
Assess your boundaries. You are allowed to stay at a party for a short period of time and then leave, you are allowed to say, “no,” to anything you don’t want to do, you are allowed to set any limits that you want with yourself and others.
If you happen to get a stomach bug the morning of a holiday event and now cannot attend, be compassionate to your mind and body. Rest and hydration are your friends, and you can re-evaluate your participation in get-togethers when you’re feeling better.



