Whether you love them or hate them, the holidays tend to bring stress for most people. For some, there are negative associations with that time of year, maybe the loss of a loved one, or a dysfunctional family taking the fun out of the time. Add that to the darkest part of the year, and you have a recipe for the blues.
But even people who enjoy the holidays get stressed. Thoughts of “Did I forget something?” or “I still need to…” or planning for traveling to far-flung relatives. Then, there is the post-holiday let down, for those who navigated the actual holidays without a hiccup. Wherever you are on the holiday stress, remind yourself that it doesn’t have to be perfect, that in ten years, that problem won’t be an issue any more, that you can get through this just as you have in the past. Maybe even better. And be kind to yourself. You deserve it.