The Holidays Are Not Always Happy and That’s OK
By Maria Martinez | Dec 01, 2025 |
Christmas Season
The holiday season is often pictured as a time of joy and celebration, but for many people, it brings emotional overwhelm, grief, and stress. If you find yourself feeling low, anxious, or disconnected while others seem to be celebrating, that experience is valid..
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Key Takeaways
It's okay if the holidays feel heavy, lonely, or stressful.
Gratitude doesn't erase grief, trauma, or overwhelm.
You are not alone in feeling this way.
Small acts of care, rest, and boundaries can help.
Therapy can offer support during this emotionally complex season.
The Holidays Aren’t Easy for Everyone
The holiday season is often pictured as a time of joy and celebration—but for many people, it brings emotional overwhelm, grief, and stress. If you find yourself feeling low, anxious, or disconnected while others seem to be celebrating, that experience is valid.
You might be grieving the loss of a loved one, navigating family conflict, or feeling financial pressure. Or you might simply feel emotionally depleted from the weight of the past year. Whatever the reason, your pain is real, and you're not alone.
Holiday Blues vs. Depression
"Holiday blues" are a short-term dip in mood triggered by seasonal stress. These can include sadness, irritability, loneliness, or feeling off-balance. When these symptoms become intense or last beyond the season, it may signal something deeper—like depression, grief, or trauma resurfacing. Knowing the difference can help you know when to seek support.
Common Triggers This Time of Year
Grief: The absence of a loved one can feel sharper during celebrations.
Family dynamics: Tense relationships or estrangement can be emotionally taxing.
Financial stress: The pressure to spend or host can heighten anxiety.
Cultural expectations: Many communities emphasize gatherings and tradition, which can be beautiful, but also overwhelming.
Trauma reminders: Familiar smells, songs, or locations may bring up painful memories.
What Healing Looks Like (Hint: Not Perfect Dinners or Forced Gratitude)
Healing during the holidays doesn’t have to look like cheerful dinners or long gratitude lists. It might look like:
Saying "no" to one more event
Crying and letting it out
Lighting a candle for someone you miss
Scheduling a therapy session or quiet night alone
You are allowed to feel what you feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it normal to feel sad during the holidays? Yes. Many people experience sadness, grief, or emotional overwhelm during the holiday season. You're not alone, and there is nothing wrong with you for feeling this way.
Q: What’s the difference between holiday blues and depression?
Holiday blues tend to be temporary and tied to specific triggers like family stress or loneliness. Depression lasts longer and often affects daily functioning. If you're unsure, speaking with a therapist can help clarify what you're experiencing.
Q: Can therapy really help during the holidays?
Yes. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to process difficult emotions, manage expectations, and create boundaries. It can be especially helpful for those carrying grief, trauma, or anxiety during the holidays.
Q: Do I have to talk about everything in my past for therapy to help?
Not at all. Many trauma-informed approaches, like EMDR, help you process painful experiences without needing to retell every detail. You set the pace.
If You’re Struggling, Reach Out
You don’t have to wait for things to get worse before seeking support. Therapy is a safe place to explore your feelings and create space for healing—even during emotionally intense seasons.
At Healing Blue, we offer trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapy (in English & Spanish) for individuals navigating grief, anxiety, and holiday stress. You’re not broken for feeling this way. You’re human.
You are not alone. We’re here when you’re ready.
Check out this video of Managing The Holiday Blues.