Freedom from holiday blues

Experts share simple ways to melt stress and open your heart to the healing, uplifting spirit that defines this special season

As you gaze at the twinkling lights dazzling the trees in your front yard, you break into a bright smile. But in the background, just beyond that holiday halo, the darkness still looms—as do your worries. How will I afford gifts this year? What will the future look like? While the rituals of past holidays gave you comfort, buffering you from stress, the uncertainty surrounding this season is making you feel uneasy.

“We’ve all been through so much loss in fundamental ways this year, from forgoing get-togethers and celebrations to losing jobs,” observes psychotherapist Diana Concannon, Psy. D. Though our first instinct may be to push away this grief, healing from it requires acknowledging it. “The holidays are a time for looking back at the past year, and simply reflecting on the emotional roller coaster you’ve gone through softens the hold that negative emotions have on you by creating a less intense experience,” she says. “You’ll soon realize your personality isn’t ‘fused’ with these emotions: You are deeper than they are and more resilient.”

Indeed, the holidays offer all of us the opportunity to focus on what truly gives life meaning. “This time of year, after all, is about miracles, so use that to inspire you to find the miraculous in your life,” urges Concannon. Read on to discover how letting yourself feel the entire range of emotions within you will ultimately allow the holiday spirit to lift you toward greater joy, peace and purpose.