Navigating the Difficulties of the Holidays

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy and togetherness, but for many people, it can feel anything but. While the world around us seems to sparkle with celebration, those lights can cast shadows on the tender or hurting places within us. Over the years, I’ve seen how this time of year can intensify emotions, especially for those grieving a loss, struggling financially, managing complicated family dynamics, or feeling estranged from loved ones. The truth is, the holidays aren't easy for everyone—and it’s important to acknowledge that with compassion.

For anyone grieving the absence of a loved one, this season can be tough. Traditions that once brought comfort may now feel heavy, and the quiet moments can make the loss feel even sharper. It’s natural for grief to rise and fall, and even to catch us off guard. Permitting yourself to feel whatever comes up—without judgment—is one of the kindest things you can do. Some people find it healing to create new traditions or gently adapt old ones, whether that means lighting a candle in their loved one’s memory, sharing stories, or simply allowing space for reflection.

Financial stress can also be a significant source of pressure this time of year. The expectation to give, host, travel, and participate can leave many feeling overwhelmed or inadequate. It’s easy to compare ourselves to what we imagine others can do. Yet the most meaningful gifts rarely come with a price tag. Shifting toward simpler expressions of love—time, presence, or heartfelt gestures—can bring relief and restore a sense of purpose to the season. There is no shame in scaling back or choosing what is truly manageable.

Family gatherings can bring warmth, but they can also stir up old wounds, unresolved tension, or emotional triggers. Even with the best intentions, these gatherings sometimes become overwhelming. It’s okay to set limits on what you engage in or how long you stay. You don’t have to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining harmony at the expense of your own well-being. Choosing to protect your peace is not selfish—it’s healthy.

For those who are estranged from family or feeling especially lonely, the holidays can surface feelings of isolation or longing. Estrangement carries its own kind of grief, even when it’s necessary for your well-being. This time of year can bring those emotions to the forefront. Remember that family is not defined only by blood. Your chosen family—friends, pets, neighbours, community—can be just as meaningful. Creating your own rituals, reaching out for connection, or engaging in moments of kindness can all help soften the edges of loneliness.

More than anything, the holidays are an invitation to honour your own needs. You are not required to move through this season the way others do. You are allowed to choose what brings you comfort, what supports your emotional health, and what feels right for where you are in your journey. This time of year does not need to be perfect—or even traditional—to be meaningful. It simply needs to be true to you.

If you find yourself struggling, please know that you are not alone. Your feelings are valid, and you deserve compassion—especially from yourself. With intention, gentleness, and support, it is possible to navigate this season in a way that feels authentic and nurturing. I want you to know that whatever you are walking through this holiday season, you don’t have to walk through it alone. Life brings moments that are heavy, confusing, or overwhelming, and sometimes we need a safe space to be heard, supported, and guided back to ourselves.  If this season is stirring up emotions, you’re not sure how to move through, you don’t have to carry it all on your own. Contact me to schedule a session, ask a question, or explore what kind of support feels right for you.

Together, we can create space for healing, clarity, and hope—one step at a time

https://www,openheartwellnesshealth.ca

maryenglish471@gmail.com

705 352 0080