Christmas and Mental Health: How to Find Comfort in the Festive Chaos

Christmas can be a wonderful but challenging time, especially after a turbulent 2024. In this blog, we explore how the festive season affects mental health, the ups and downs we’ve faced globally, and ways to take care of ourselves and our loved ones during the holidays.

Christmas. The season of tinsel, twinkly lights, endless playlists of jingly songs, and all the commercials promising a time of joy, love, and togetherness. For some of us, it truly is a magical time. But let’s be real—for many, it’s not all gingerbread and glitter. Especially as we wrap up a year like 2024, when the world feels like it’s been through a few rounds in the ring and then some.

There’s no denying it: this year has been a rough ride for many folks around the world. We’re still dealing with the financial mess that has left many struggling to make ends meet. Inflation in Argentina is so high that people are practically carrying sacks of cash just to buy groceries. The UK is grappling with sky-high energy bills, even with price caps in place, and Somalia’s enduring drought has pushed even more families into severe hardship. There’s the war in Ukraine, which has turned holidays into a time of separation and uncertainty. All over, it’s been a tough year to stay hopeful.

But before you pack away any glimmer of Christmas cheer, let’s talk about the positives that have emerged too—small rays of light breaking through. In Finland, they’ve made some incredible moves towards accessible mental health care, making it easier for anyone to get the support they need. Over in Denver, the “housing first” policies are reducing homelessness, showing us what happens when communities prioritize real solutions over quick fixes. In Vietnam, investments in sustainable agriculture mean families are becoming more resilient, and countries like New Zealand and Canada are making strides with their renewable energy efforts. It’s not all sunshine, but there’s hope to be found. These examples show us that despite the world feeling a little upside down, people are still working for a better tomorrow.

Christmas is complicated. It brings family gatherings, long chats by the fire, and the occasional snowball fight. But it also brings up memories that aren’t always the most joyful, plus the pressure to be cheerful, generous, and always “on.” For many, it’s a lot to manage. Let’s dig into how we can take care of ourselves and those we care about this season.

Looking After Mental Health Over the Holidays

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during the holidays. The list of things to do seems endless, from buying gifts to making plans, and the expectations are sky-high. That’s why it’s more important than ever to take a deep breath and remember—it’s okay not to be perfect. Here are ten ways to protect your mental health this Christmas:

• Manage Expectations: Forget the idea of a flawless Christmas. If the dinner gets burnt, or the kids get cranky, that’s okay. Real life is messy, and that’s what makes it memorable.
• Say No Without Guilt: It’s easy to get roped into every holiday party, but too much socializing can be draining. Choose what matters to you, and say no to the rest—guilt-free.
• Be Honest About Your Feelings: Feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed? That’s normal, and it’s okay to admit it. Don’t force yourself to smile when you’re not feeling it.
• Limit Social Media Time: Scrolling through picture-perfect posts can make anyone feel like they’re missing out. Step away from the screens and focus on what’s real around you.
• Budget Wisely: The pressure to buy, buy, buy can be enormous. Stick to what you can afford, and know that meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive. Memories don’t have a price tag.
• Take a Mindful Moment: Try sitting in a quiet spot for five minutes, breathing deeply, and just observing your surroundings. Mindfulness can calm the chaos when things get too hectic.
• Reach Out: If you’re struggling, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to someone you trust. A close friend, a family member, or even a helpline. Sharing lightens the load.
• Make New Traditions: Traditions are great until they start feeling forced. If an old routine isn’t working anymore, make a new one that suits your family better—like a pyjama day on Christmas Eve.
• Get Moving: Even a short walk around the block can work wonders for your mood. The fresh air, the movement, it’s a simple yet effective mood booster.
• Carve Out “You” Time: The holidays are about family, but don’t forget about yourself. Whether it’s reading a book or taking a hot bath, make sure you do something that’s just for you.

This Christmas, prioritize the things that bring you peace and joy, and let go of the expectations that don’t. You deserve that space to breathe.

Celebrating Your Wins This Year

Let’s be honest, 2024 wasn’t the easiest year, but even in tough times, we can find victories worth celebrating. Big or small, every win matters, and looking back on them can remind us of just how strong we really are. Here are ten types of wins that are worth celebrating this year:

• Learning Something New: Whether you learned how to make sourdough, fixed a leaking tap, or figured out a new work skill—that’s growth.
• Rebuilding Connections: Maybe you reconnected with someone you’d lost touch with. It takes courage to reach out, and that’s huge.
• Making It Through Tough Days: If you faced challenges head-on and made it through, even if it wasn’t graceful—that’s still a win.
• Showing Kindness: If you offered a hand, donated what you could, or simply lent an ear when someone needed to talk, you made a difference.
• Setting Healthy Boundaries: Saying no when you needed to, stepping back from toxic people or situations—that’s looking after yourself, and that’s worth celebrating.
• Investing in Your Wellbeing: Whether it was eating healthier, getting active, or finally getting some overdue rest—those are all wins.
• Letting Go of Perfection: If you decided to be okay with imperfection, whether it’s letting the dishes pile up or accepting things you can’t change—that’s huge.
• Creating Family Traditions: Making a new tradition, even something as simple as Friday pizza night—that’s building memories for years to come.
• Facing Fears: Maybe you conquered a big fear this year—like speaking up, confronting something hard, or trying something new. That takes guts.
• Finding Joy in Small Moments: Did you laugh until you cried? Watch a beautiful sunset? Enjoy a long hug with someone you love? Those moments are worth cherishing.

No matter what this year threw at you, you’re still here. Take a moment to acknowledge your wins—you earned it.

A Heartfelt Message for the Road Ahead

If there’s one thing I want you to remember as we close out 2024, it’s that resilience isn’t about being tough all the time. It’s about adapting, holding on, and getting back up even when life knocks you down—again and again. This year tested us all, and yet, here we are, still standing, still breathing, still hoping.

There’s a whole new year ahead of us—a fresh page, blank and ready for us to write on. There will be challenges, no doubt, but there will also be opportunities—chances for joy, for change, for growth. The key is to hold onto that hope, to look for the silver linings, and to take the reins when it comes to choosing our path.

No one can decide your destiny but you. Keep moving forward, even if it’s just one step at a time. Celebrate the wins, learn from the setbacks, and remember—you’ve already survived every bad day you’ve had. You’ve got this.

Here’s wishing you peace, comfort, and love this Christmas. May 2025 be a year of hope, strength, and brighter days ahead. Stay strong, and let’s face it together.