When the holidays feel heavy: find our way back to togetherness

By: Marissa Pollet

The holidays are often described as a time of joy, warmth, and connection, yet for many people they bring a combination of emotional and mental stressors and carry a unique set of challenges. As expectations rise and calendars fill, the season that is meant to feel meaningful can quickly become overwhelming. There is often an unspoken pressure to make everything feel special and memorable, and this can leave little room to simply be present and enjoy the true meaning of this special time of year.

One of the most common sources of holiday stress is gift-giving. What begins as a heartfelt desire to show love can turn into anxiety, comparison, and financial strain. As shopping lists grow longer and budgets stretch thinner, the focus can slowly shift from connection to consumption. In the rush to buy, wrap, and deliver, it becomes easy to lose sight of the deeper purpose of the season.

Common holiday stressors include:

• Financial pressure and the expectation to overspend on gifts even when the budget has already been stretched.

• Overloaded schedules filled with events, travel, and obligations. This time of year is jam packed with so many events and things to remember in an effort to please and accommodate everyone.

• Emotional strain related to family dynamics or unresolved relationships

• Social comparison fueled by traditions, social media, or unrealistic standards. Children often feel this comparison in a school setting as gifts are judged by their peers.

• The belief that joy must be created through effort, spending, or perfection and not just simple togetherness or giving back to others.

When attention is placed primarily on material things or external expectations, we risk missing what truly supports mental and emotional well-being. Togetherness is not found in price tags or perfectly executed plans, rather it is built through presence, connection, and shared experiences. The moments of being together as a family without external pressures or giving back to those in the community who are less fortunate make the holidays feel more grounded and truly meaningful.

Ways to reconnect with the true meaning of the holidays:

• Simplify gift-giving by setting limits or focusing on thoughtful, meaningful gestures. Be realistic about a budget and keep track of what you spend. Remember that the dollar amount of the item does not indicate meaningfulness. Sometimes gifts made by hand are the best as they come from the heart.

• Choose experiences or shared time over physical presents when possible. Time spent sitting with loved ones in a peaceful setting creates everlasting memories.

• Set realistic expectations for yourself and others and communicate boundaries.

• Allow space for rest and quiet moments amid the chaos. Take time for yourself and decompress when needed or ask for help to accomplish everything you need to get done.

• Focus on connection through conversation, traditions, and small moments of joy

The Moments Matter the Most

The holidays do not need to be extravagant or exhausting to be meaningful. Often, it is the simplest moments spent together such as a shared meal, or genuine conversation that leave the most lasting impact. By easing the pressure to perform and shifting your focus to the act of togetherness, we create room for a holiday season that feels calmer, more grounded, and emotionally fulfilling. This is the time of year that can be truly magical, so remember you are the gatekeeper to create the simple moments that can last for an eternity.

Our team of caring professionals at Inspired Wellness are here to provide support and guidance towards your path of mental wellness. We believe that every individual has the ability to be the best version of themselves and our goal is to set you up with the tools to maintain a well-balanced life that will place you on the path towards lifelong change. We strive to create a non-judgmental environment coupled with therapeutic practices that are tailored towards each individual. At Inspired Wellness our team aims to do exactly as our name says, inspire you towards a beautiful life of strength and wellness!