As the longer days and warmth of summer fade, we move into the festive season, a time often associated with softer light, cosy evenings, and a natural pause as the year draws to a close. For many, this period brings familiar routines and traditions, along with moments of reflection and connection.

There is a quiet beauty in this seasonal shift. Streets and homes glow with festive lights, mornings feel calmer and more still, and there is often an invitation to slow down and seek comfort. For some, small rituals of warm drinks, familiar festive music, and a sense of nostalgia can feel grounding and reassuring.

At the same time, the festive season can stir more complex emotional experiences. As daylight shortens and darkness arrives earlier, changes in light, temperature, and routine can affect mood and energy levels. Colder weather may limit time spent outdoors, while financial pressures, social expectations, or reminders of loss, loneliness, or difficult family dynamics can make this time of year especially challenging. For some, this can lead to feelings of low mood, emotional fatigue, or uncertainty. If you are not feeling joyful or festive, it is important to know that this is a common and understandable experience. There is no “right” way to feel at Christmas.

From a psychological perspective, caring for yourself at this time of year begins with granting yourself permission to respond in ways that support your well-being rather than trying to meet external expectations.

Practise self-compassion

Try to approach yourself with gentleness and patience. Reflect on what feels most supportive for you during the festive period, rather than what you think you should be doing. Prioritising your emotional needs is not selfish, it is a necessary form of care.Establish and protect your boundaries. It can be helpful to remind yourself that the festive period is time-limited. Some people find it helpful to define when “Christmas” begins and ends for them, creating psychological boundaries around what can otherwise feel overwhelming. Not every invitation, gathering, or tradition will feel manageable or helpful. Permitting yourself to say no, to leave early, or to engage on your own terms can protect your emotional well-being and reduce feelings of pressure or resentment.

Allow space for your emotional experience.

Your feelings are valid, even if they differ from those around you. You may notice sadness, grief, ambivalence, or a lack of festive enthusiasm, and this does not mean there is something wrong with you. Emotional authenticity is more important than appearing cheerful. For now, consider offering yourself the same patience and compassion you would extend to someone else in this position.

Create space to rest and recharge

Taking small, intentional breaks from the festive atmosphere can be incredibly helpful. This might mean spending some time alone, watching a favourite film, reading a book, or doing something that helps you switch off from the season altogether. Tuning into what your mind and body need, whether that’s rest, quiet, movement, or a bit of space from others, allows you to care for yourself more compassionately. Permitting yourself to meet these needs can help you feel more settled, grounded, and better able to cope during a busy or emotionally demanding time.

Supporting your well-being through the festive and winter months

If Christmas feels particularly difficult, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Psychological research suggests that small, intentional adjustments can help support well-being during the festive and winter months.

Social connection

The festive season can amplify feelings of isolation for many. Making gentle, intentional efforts to connect with people you trust in person, by phone, or online can provide emotional grounding and a sense of belonging. Sharing how you feel about Christmas with someone you trust may help them understand how best to support you.

Light and gentle movement

The winter months often mean less daylight and more time spent indoors, which can affect both mood and energy levels. Making the most of natural light where possible, even in small ways, can be supportive. Opening curtains early, sitting near windows, or stepping outside during daylight hours can help you feel more awake and grounded.

Gentle, regular movement can also play an important role in supporting mental wellbeing. Physical activity promotes the release of mood-enhancing chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, and it doesn’t have to involve intense workouts.
Short walks, stretching, or simply moving in ways that feel manageable and kind to your body can be enough. Combining light and movement, for example, a brief daytime walk, can offer both emotional and physical benefits during the darker months.

Nourish your body

A balanced diet supports energy, concentration, and emotional regulation. During a season often centred around food and alcohol, aiming for balance rather than restriction can support well-being. Excess sugar or alcohol can impact mood, so moderation, where possible, can be protective.

Seek professional support when needed

If you notice that your mood remains persistently low or you are struggling to manage daily responsibilities, speaking with your GP or a mental health professional can be an important step towards support and care.

The festive season does not have to feel joyful all of the time. Allowing space for mixed emotions and responding to them with compassion is not only normal but also deeply human. As the year draws to an end, tending to your mental well-being with gentleness may be one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself.

- Ash Newrick

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