How to Cope with Holiday Stress (Especially When Family Is… A Lot)
By Jennifer Doeden, LMFT- Metro Counseling and Wellness
The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, right? But for many of us, it’s also the most overwhelming. Between family expectations, travel, finances, parenting, and pressure to make everything perfect, it can start to feel like too much.
If you find yourself dreading certain family gatherings or holding your breath through dinner conversations, you’re not alone. At Metro Counseling and Wellness, we hear this from clients every year—people trying to keep it together while juggling a lot emotionally.
Here are some simple, real-life ways to help you get through the season with a little more calm and a lot more self-compassion.
1. Boundaries Aren’t Bad—They’re Necessary
It’s okay to decide what feels manageable before you’re in the middle of a stressful situation.
That might mean leaving early, skipping a tradition that feels draining, or steering clear of topics that always end in an argument.
You’re allowed to protect your energy. Setting boundaries isn’t about being difficult—it’s about being healthy.
2. Lower the Bar (Seriously)
You don’t have to make everything perfect.
The food doesn’t need to be homemade, the gifts don’t have to be impressive, and you don’t need to keep everyone happy.
Holidays often bring up guilt and pressure, especially if you’re a parent or caretaker trying to “make it special.” But the truth is, connection matters more than perfection.
Focus on what feels meaningful to you this year, and let the rest go.
3. Notice When Your Body Needs a Break
When things get tense, our bodies usually know before our minds catch on.
If you notice your shoulders creeping up, your jaw clenching, or your heart racing—pause.
Take a deep breath. Step outside. Stretch. Excuse yourself to grab a glass of water.
Small breaks can make a big difference in helping you stay grounded when things feel overwhelming.
4. Find Little Moments for You
Even if it’s just five minutes with your coffee before the house wakes up, or a quiet drive where you don’t have to talk to anyone—take it.
You don’t have to “earn” rest, and you don’t need a whole day to reset. Sometimes, a few small moments of space can help you show up with more patience and calm.
5. Reach Out if You Need Support
If this season feels heavier than usual, it might be time to talk it out.
Therapy can help you sort through family dynamics, stress, and the emotional weight that often comes up during the holidays.
At Metro Counseling and Wellness, we work with people navigating stress, anxiety, and family challenges—especially during big life transitions or the perinatal period. You don’t have to hold it all alone.
Takeaway
The holidays can bring out a lot—love, nostalgia, tension, grief, joy, all of it.
This year, give yourself permission to slow down, protect your peace, and choose what actually matters to you.
If you’re ready for a little extra support, we’re here to help.
Schedule a free consultation to connect with a therapist who gets it.
