It’s the most wonderful time of the year…right?!?! I am sitting here drinking hot chocolate, with Christmas music playing and the light of the tree lighting up the room BUT I am also wrapping presents, trying to remember all the things on my to do list and what the kids need for what festivity at school, and painfully thinking about many relatives that won’t be at gatherings this year, some because of passing but others by choice.

I have emotions other than joy, is that okay?

You are just now remembering that I was supposed to be on break from blog writing for the month of December?!?! Well, when a sweet friend texts you about something she is going through this season, you know others must be too and it would be too late to hold off and share after the holidays. This friend wanted to validate, and be affirmed in the fact, that there are so many other emotions we feel this time of year other than joy and THAT’S OKAY. But with these other emotions, and our responses to them, comes guilt because we have put unrealistic expectations on ourselves (read here about overcoming unmet expectations) around what type of person, parent, spouse, employee, etc. we “should” be this time of year (read/watch more about should statements here).

Common challenging emotions this time of year and helpful tools:

Some of the other emotions that can come along with the holidays are stress, overwhelm, grief, anger/frustration (so many times this is around family dynamics), and guilt. So, what do we do with these emotions? Well, first, this is a great time to give yourself the gift of self-compassion and kindness. Remind yourself there are no good and bad emotions. Also, learn about and practice mindfulness. Start paying attention, intentionally, to what you are feeling so that you can choose to respond rather than react. And if you do end up reacting in a way you regret, apologize and remember that tomorrow is a new day. Another strategy is to practice self-care. Take some time out for yourself this season to rest, relax, reboot so that you can be the best version of yourself for your family and friends. Lastly, the holiday season is a wonderful time to start a gratitude practice. If you need help with this, read/watch my blog/video on establishing a gratitude practice.

For me, it’s remembering the most important gift, the gift of Jesus, and focusing on that which helps me to think less about the other challenging things that come along with this time of year. I hope for you, that despite the difficulties, you can find some joy and peace this Christmas season.

This season can be very challenging for so many. If you need help processing through grief, anger, anxiety, depression, or other difficult emotions, please reach out and contact us today!

Check out our video about emotions during the holidays.