The holidays can be joyful, but not for everyone. For some, it’s a time of stress, loneliness, and even irrelevance. If the season doesn’t feel like yours, you’re not alone. Mental health matters before, during, and after the holidays because wellbeing isn’t seasonal. Here’s how to make this time work for you, whether you celebrate or not.
Joy or jitters? Let’s talk about it
This time of year looks and feels different for everyone. Some thrive on the rush of celebrations, presents, and packed social calendars. For others, it can be a lonely time—and forced workplace closures don’t help. Add in financial stress, family dynamics, and cultural traditions & differences, and it’s clear why mental health needs attention now more than ever—whether you celebrate the holidays or not.
Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body, no matter what your traditions look like.
Tips for every tradition (or none)
Celebrating? Great. Resetting? Also great. Here’s how to make the season work for you.
Tip 1: Make connection intentional
Celebrating: Lean into the moments that bring you closer. Plan quality time with loved ones—whether it’s a festive dinner, a walk to see the lights, or a virtual toast if travel isn’t possible. Connection beats perfection.
Resetting: Turn the calm into a spark for something new. Use the quiet to do something that sparks joy: start a puzzle, dive into a creative project, or binge that series, guilt-free.
Tip 2: Set boundaries
Celebrating: Choose what fills your cup. You don’t have to attend every party or see everyone. Pick the plans that make you feel good—whether that’s a smaller gathering, a quick hello, or skipping an event altogether. Boundaries make room for joy.
Resetting: Guard your quiet time without guilt. If invites pop up and you’re craving calm, it’s okay to decline. Use that space for what matters most—rest, reflection, or simply unplugging for a mental reset.
Tip 3: Give back
Celebrating: Spread cheer in your community. Volunteer at a local holiday drive, donate to a cause you believe in, or surprise someone who could use a lift for gift shopping or a holiday food run. Giving back boosts your mood and creates moments that stick.
Resetting: Make an impact in a way that feels right for you. Support causes you care about all year long—mentoring, donating, or sharing your skills. Acts of kindness aren’t tied to a season. They matter anytime.
Tip 4: Prioritize self-care
Celebrating: Amid the holiday rush, give yourself permission to pause. Take a mindful moment before gatherings, sneak in a walk, or simply breathe. These small habits help you show up as your best self.
Resetting: Make downtime your superpower. Create rituals that recharge you: try a digital detox, start mornings with meditation, or practice yoga. This is your time to reset and refuel.
Tip 5: Plan a post-holiday reset
Celebrating: After the whirlwind, take a moment to reflect. What energized you? What drained you? Use those moments to shape a holiday season that feels better for you next year.
Resetting: Own your reset. Use the quiet period to set intentions: career goals, health habits, or creative projects. Start the new year grounded, clear, and ready to move forward.
No matter how you choose to spend the last weeks of the year, or how you plan to start the next, make choices that support your wellbeing. There’s no “right” way to spend the holidays. It’s about making the season feel truly yours, whether that means leaning into traditions, creating new ones, or using this time to reset and recharge.
Give yourself permission to slow down, reflect, and choose what supports your mental health and happiness. Because feeling good in your choices is the best gift you can give yourself, and our 2026 Wellbeing Calendar can help you plan a year full of balance, energy, and support.