The Impact of Christmas Stressors on Mental Health and How to Cope

For many, Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Yet, beneath the festive decorations and cheerful gatherings, this season can be one of the most stressful periods of the year, with a range of stressors that can intensify mental health challenges. From financial strain to social expectations, holiday stress can lead to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and even depression. Recognizing these stressors and understanding ways to manage them can help preserve mental well-being through the holiday season.

Social Expectations and Family Tensions

The holidays often bring families and friends together, which can be wonderful but may also spark conflict or stress, especially if there are unresolved tensions. Many people feel pressure to attend every family event, office party, or community gathering, which can lead to burnout and overwhelm.

Coping Tips:

• Manage your social calendar. Remember, it’s okay to say no or to leave events early if you’re feeling drained.
• Plan for difficult interactions. If certain family dynamics are challenging, set boundaries, and prepare strategies to protect your mental health, such as stepping away for a breather if needed.
• Reach out for support. If you find social obligations particularly challenging, talking with a friend or mental health professional can provide perspective and relief.

Increased Loneliness

For many, the holidays emphasize a sense of loneliness and isolation. Those who have experienced loss, live far from loved ones, or lack strong social connections may feel that Christmas only highlights their feelings of loneliness. This can exacerbate feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and even depression.

Coping Tips:

• Volunteer or give back. Helping others can create a sense of connection and purpose, whether through formal volunteering or by helping a neighbour.
• Join community events. Many places host holiday events open to the public, providing opportunities to meet new people and connect with others.
• Reach out to others. Sometimes, family and friends may not realize someone feels lonely. Reaching out to others, even for a phone call or casual get-together, can provide comfort.

Pressure for Perfection

The holidays often come with an implicit expectation of a "perfect" Christmas, where everything from the decorations to family interactions must go smoothly. Many people put pressure on themselves to create an ideal experience, which can lead to anxiety, disappointment, and feelings of inadequacy when things inevitably don’t go as planned.

Coping Tips:

• Embrace imperfection. Christmas doesn’t have to be flawless. Accepting that things may go off-script can reduce stress and make the season more enjoyable.
• Focus on what matters. Prioritize time with loved ones and meaningful experiences over surface-level details.
• Practice self-compassion. If things don’t go as planned, be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to let go of minor setbacks and enjoy the moment.

Changes in Routine and Lifestyle

With holiday parties, family gatherings, and travel, the holiday season often disrupts normal routines. Irregular sleep, changes in diet, and a busy schedule can all impact physical and mental health, making people feel more prone to irritability, anxiety, or fatigue.

Coping Tips:

• Stick to a routine as much as possible. Even if you’re traveling or attending gatherings, aim to maintain regular sleep and meal times.
• Prioritize self-care. Make time for activities that help you relax, whether it’s taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or journaling.
• Limit alcohol intake. While alcohol can seem like a social or celebratory norm, it can heighten feelings of anxiety and worsen sleep, so moderation is key.

Financial Pressure

Christmas often comes with increased financial obligations—gifts, travel expenses, and holiday events can all strain budgets. Many people feel pressured to spend beyond their means to meet expectations or feel that they must buy extravagant gifts to show love and appreciation. This financial stress can worsen existing mental health issues, especially for those already struggling with money-related anxiety.

Coping Tips:

• Set a budget and stick to it. It’s okay to prioritize thoughtful, personal gifts over expensive ones.
• Consider alternative gift ideas. Homemade baking or giving experiences rather than material items can be just as meaningful.
• Communicate openly. If finances are tight, discussing this with family and friends can relieve pressure. 

Seek Support

Mental health challenges don’t take a holiday break, and therefore acknowledging that the Christmas season might be tough is okay. However, you don’t have to face these stressors alone. Consider reaching out to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you find yourself struggling. Petersgate Counselling Centre offers counseling services and support that can help people cope with seasonal pressures. Appointments with a professional counsellor can be made through Petersgate’s website www.petersgate.org.nz or by ringing 03 343 3391.

Gray Crawford

Business Manager

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Making a donation

Thank you for considering making a donation to Petersgate. Donations help us to offer affordable, professional counselling to people in need.

To make a donation please choose one of the following options:

Deposit your donation directly into our bank account:
Westpac 03 0830 0280160 000. Please include your name and the word "Donation" in the reference details section of your internet banking.

Post your donation to: Petersgate Counselling Centre
PO Box 6088
Christchurch 8442

Telephone 03 343 3391 to request a bank deposit slip, or if you would like to become a regular supporter we will send you an Automatic Payment form and a reply paid envelope. Our regular supporters, the Friends of Petersgate, now number nearly 200 and they make a very important contribution to our income each year.

Receipts will be issued annually for tax rebate purposes for donations over $5.00. If you would like a receipt please advise us of your name and address by phoning 03 343 3391or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Legacy

Remembering Petersgate in your will is a wonderful way of helping us care for people in need. Making such a gift available for our general purposes is a discreet and thoughtful way of supporting the work we do.

With your support we will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of so many people and we thank you in anticipation.

How you can support us

The work we do at Petersgate is critical for the wellbeing of the whole community.

With no government contracts we rely on grants and donations to continue our work.

Did you know that you can claim a tax credit for donations over $5.00 made to us? 

To show your support, you can make a donation in the following ways:

Via Internet Banking

Petersgate Trust

Westpac 03 0830 0280160 00

Please make a reference in the available fields of your name and contact daytime phone number etc. Then please also contact our office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to provide your details so that we can send you a receipt.

Bequests

A bequest is a special way to remember your family or friends or a charity in your will. After you have acknowledged those close to you, please consider also remembering Petersgate Counselling Centre. Your legacy will ensure that our organisation can continue to make a real difference in the lives of our clients into the future. We strongly recommend that your will is drawn up by your legal advisor so that your wishes are carried out exactly as you intended.

In Memoriam/ In Lieu of Flowers

This is a very special way in which to remember your loved one. You may wish to invite friends and family to honour your loved ones memory by making a donation to Petersgate Counselling Centre in lieu of flowers. The Funeral Director can organise to send through the donations to us via our postal address. Receipts along with a letter of thanks will be sent to donors who provide their name and address details. A list of names and addresses and a total amount (not the individual donation amounts) is sent to the family when all donations have come in so the family can send their own thanks.

Major Gifts

At Petersgate Counselling Centre we appreciate every gift to us no matter the amount. Major Gifts however enable us to fund larger or ongoing projects with more certainty.