The holiday season can bring joy, connection, and celebration, but it can also heighten stress and emotional strain. From the pressure of gift-giving to family gatherings and the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, the season can take a toll on our mental wellbeing.
To help you navigate this busy time with balance and care, some Josselyn clinical directors and supervisors are sharing practical tips for managing expectations, maintaining boundaries, and prioritizing mental well-being. Their expert guidance offers ways to create space for rest, gratitude, and self-compassion so you can truly experience the meaning of the season.
Anna Lydka, LCPC, Director of Clinical Services
Keep Your Expectations Realistic
The holidays don’t have to be picture-perfect to be special. Let go of the pressure to do it all—perfect meals, spotless house, endless events—and focus on what feels good and meaningful to you and your family.
When you give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy the little things, you’ll feel less stressed and more present for the moments that really matter.
Creativity Heals
During the holidays, stress can build quickly—but creative expression offers a powerful release. Whether through painting, listening to music, or dancing, the arts invite us to slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and find joy in the present moment.
These forms of expression help turn tension into movement, sound, and color—reminding us that healing can also be beautiful. The arts can bring small moments of joy in our time of need!
Veronique Morales, LCPC, ATR, Director of Expressive Therapy
Maggie Nash, LCSW, M.Ed., Director of Mental Health Education
Let Go of “Shoulds”
The holidays can be full of expectations, from family, friends, society, or even yourself. To ease the pressure, give yourself permission to slow down and make space for what truly matters, even (or especially) in small ways. Practice shifting your language and replace “I should…” with any of the following:
- I could…
- I get to…
- It would feel good to….
This small change can help reframe obligations as choices and invites you to briefly pause, reflect, and decide if a certain task is really worth the pressure it brings. During seasons filled with external expectations, you also deserve time to reconnect with what feels meaningful and manageable for you.
Check in With Yourself
The holidays can bring up all kinds of emotions, joy, stress, excitement, or even sadness. Take a moment to check in with yourself and notice what you need. It’s okay to set boundaries, take breaks, or step away when things feel overwhelming. Show yourself compassion and consider what support you might need in tougher moments. Maybe that means limiting time with certain family members, finding a quiet space to breathe, or giving yourself permission to leave early if needed.
Naomi Salerno, LCPC, Assistant Director of Quality Improvement
If this season feels lonely or brings up grief, be gentle with yourself. Do something comforting, reach out to someone safe, or start a new tradition that feels good to you. There is no “right” way to navigate the holidays, just a way that feels best for you.
Amanda Steinhoff, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor
Take It Slow
My number one tip for managing holiday stress is to slow down. It can be tempting to pack in as many activities, visits, and last-minute shopping trips as possible. While it might sound fun, all that racing around can lead to emotional fatigue. When planning your holiday schedule, try instead to pick the few events that are most important to you and give them your full time and attention. Not only can that help keep seasonal burnout at bay, but it’ll also allow you to feel more present in the moment and more fully enjoy your experiences.
The holidays can bring both joy and challenges. If stress or emotional strain begins to feel unmanageable, Josselyn’s expert clinicians are ready to provide the guidance and care you need. Get started at here or visit josselyn.org to learn more about our services.
