Keeping Peace on Earth (and in Your Mind): A Grounded Guide to Holiday Mental Health
The holiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it’s also the most overwhelming. Between family gatherings, financial pressures, endless to-do lists, and the emotional weight of expectations, even the most enlightened among us can feel like we’re only a couple requests away from a crash out. As a psychologist—and as someone who has definitely never been anything but my best self each year during the holidays (insert strong side-eye) —I can assure you that it’s perfectly normal to feel both joy and exhaustion this time of year.
The Holiday Paradox
Research consistently shows that the holidays are a mixed bag emotionally. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 38% of adults report increased stress during the holiday season, citing finances, family dynamics, and lack of time as top contributors. At the same time, many also report higher levels of gratitude and connection. In other words, the holidays can bring out both the best and the most frazzled parts of us.
For those of faith, this season carries deep spiritual meaning—a celebration of hope, peace, and the birth of Christ. Yet even the most devout can find themselves distracted by the noise of modern holiday culture. The challenge is learning to hold both the sacred and the stressful in the same hands.
Practical (and Gentle) Tips for Staying Grounded
1. Manage Expectations—Yours and Everyone Else’s
Perfection is not a fruit of the Spirit. The tree doesn’t have to be symmetrical, the cookies don’t have to be Pinterest-worthy, and the family photo doesn’t have to include everyone smiling at the same time. Give yourself permission to let “good enough” be truly good enough. The goal is connection, not performance, and in being authentic, you make it safe for others to be real as well.
2. Protect Your Peace Like It’s a Precious Gift
Boundaries are holy. It’s okay to say no to events that drain you or to limit time in environments that stir up stress. Jesus Himself often withdrew to quiet places to pray and recharge—if He needed rest, so do we. Schedule downtime as intentionally as you schedule parties.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Emotional Bank Account
Think of your mental energy like a budget. Every social event, errand, or emotional conversation is a withdrawal from the sanity bank. Prayer, rest, laughter, and time in Scripture are deposits. Try to keep your account balanced. When you feel spiritually or emotionally overdrawn, pause, replenish, and use it as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and what you need to be at your best.
4. Practice Gratitude (Even When It’s Hard)
Gratitude doesn’t erase pain, but it can shift perspective. Studies show that people who regularly practice gratitude report higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress. Start small—thank God for a warm cup of coffee, a kind word, or a moment of quiet. Gratitude is a spiritual discipline that grounds the heart in what truly matters.
5. Watch Out for Comparison Traps
Social media can make it seem like everyone else is living in a Hallmark movie. Remember that most people post their highlight reels, not their behind-the-scenes chaos. Comparison steals joy faster than a toddler unwrapping presents. Focus on authenticity, not appearances, and be honest with yourself! If there are certain days or seasons when you need to take a social media break, do it! You can thank me later for the peace of mind.
6. Care for Your Body (It’s the Only One You’ve Got)
Sleep, hydration, and movement are not optional luxuries—they’re essential for mental health. The body and mind are deeply connected, and caring for one supports the other. And yes, enjoy the pie—but maybe balance it with a walk or some stretches to knock out the physical tension the calendar may be inspiring.
7. Keep Christ at the Center
Amid the noise and glitter, pause to remember why this season exists at all. The birth of Christ is the ultimate reminder that light enters even the darkest places. When the holidays feel heavy, return to that truth. Read the nativity story, attend a candlelight service, or simply whisper a prayer of thanks for Emmanuel—God with us.
A Final Word of Encouragement
The holidays can be beautiful, messy, and meaningful all at once. If you find yourself feeling weary, know that you’re not alone. Even the shepherds were afraid before they rejoiced, and they weren’t looking at 15 social gatherings, 3 Christmas programs, 50 Christmas cards, and a partridge in a pear tree. Take heart in knowing that peace is not found in perfect plans or flawless festivities—it’s found in presence: the presence of God, the presence of loved ones, and the presence of mind to slow down and breathe.
So this season, may your days be merry, your boundaries firm, your coffee strong, and your heart anchored in the One who brings true peace on earth.
