The holidays can be beautiful — and they can also be overwhelming, activating, or deeply exhausting. Family dynamics, grief, expectations, and constant social demands can take a toll on your nervous system, even when the season looks “joyful” from the outside.
That’s why our associate therapists at Holistic Psychotherapy NYC created a Holiday Mental Health Tip Calendar — a series of small, grounded, trauma-informed practices designed to support your emotional well-being throughout the holiday season.
Each day, one of our clinicians shared a practical, compassionate tip you can use in real time. These aren’t lofty ideals or “just be positive” suggestions. They’re realistic tools for navigating holiday stress with more ease, clarity, and self-trust.
What This Holiday Mental Health Series Supports
Throughout the season, our therapists focused on helping you:
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Navigate family dynamics with less overwhelm
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Soothe your nervous system during stressful moments
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Set boundaries with clarity and compassion
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Practice healthy (not forced) gratitude
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Rest without guilt
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Stay connected to yourself when old patterns resurface
Small shifts can create meaningful emotional relief — especially during the holidays.
Daily Therapist Holiday Tips (December 15–26)
Below are the full tips shared by our clinicians, gathered in one place for easy reference and reflection.
December 15 — Ground Before, During, and After Gatherings
“Set aside a few moments to ground and center yourself before, during, and following holiday gatherings. This might look like stepping outside for a brief walk during a charged family interaction, taking a few minutes to breathe in the car before walking into a space, or journaling after you leave.”
December 16 — Protect Your Peace
“Remember you can’t control how others behave, only how you choose to respond. Protect your peace by deciding what you are willing to engage in — and what you are not.”
December 17 — Power Comes from How You Show Up
“As you enter this holiday season, find power not by changing others, but by the way you show up for yourself.”
December 18 — Grace and Space Matter
“Give yourself grace and space for end-of-year reflection as stress arises. Grace and space may also require the intention to move slower — and that is okay.”
December 19 — Release the ‘Shoulds’
“‘Shoulds’ can make the holidays more stressful than they already are. Instead of focusing on what you should do, focus on what you can do — and what you actually want to do.”
December 22 — Rebuild Self-Trust in Small Moments
“During the holidays, it can be easy to disconnect from yourself. Every moment you pause and return to yourself is a moment of rebuilding self-trust. It is never too late to come back to the present moment.”
December 23 — A Bathroom Break for Regulation
“If you feel overwhelmed or anxious, take a bathroom break. Breathe slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Imagine inhaling how you want to feel and exhaling what’s unwanted. Then wrap your arms around yourself in a self-hug for at least 30 seconds.”
December 24 — Reflect with Intention, Not Pressure
“Before starting the new year, take time to reflect on the past year. Reflection paired with self-compassion promotes growth without pressure.”
December 25 — Honor Where You Are
“This holiday season, honor where you are. Welcome your emotions without judgment. When old relational patterns stir, pause, soften, and remember you are held by something deeper than the moment.”
December 26 — Be Gentle, Especially with Grief
“The holidays can bring up many emotions. Be gentle with yourself. If you’re navigating grief, give yourself permission to just be. You don’t have to attend every event — be mindful of your capacity.”
Why Small Practices Matter During the Holidays
Holiday stress doesn’t usually require a complete overhaul — it responds best to small, repeatable moments of care. Each pause, boundary, breath, or act of self-compassion helps your nervous system learn that safety and steadiness are possible, even during emotionally charged seasons.
These practices aren’t about doing the holidays “right.” They’re about staying connected to yourself while moving through them.
Want Personalized Support This Holiday Season?
If the holidays bring up anxiety, grief, family stress, or emotional overwhelm, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Holistic Psychotherapy NYC, our associate therapists offer trauma-informed, relational therapy to help you:
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Manage holiday stress and family triggers
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Build nervous system regulation skills
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Set boundaries without guilt
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Process grief or complex emotions
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Enter the new year feeling more grounded and supported
✨ Work with one of our therapists today.
