Christmas is perhaps the most celebrated holiday across the world. It is often described as the season of joy and grand celebration, but for many people, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and even sadness.

Firstly, Christmas can be an expensive season. The financial pressures of gift-giving can be a heavy burden for many. Additionally, there is the tradition of Christmas cleaning, which is physically challenging for most people. During this time, workplaces often have expectations to meet year-end deadlines. The demands of the season can become overwhelming, taking a toll on one’s mental health. Many might say that prioritising mental health during the season is almost impossible, but I beg to differ.

As you read this column on the Sunday before Christmas, I hope you take into consideration some of the tips I will mention in this week’s piece. I am here to tell you that you can and should prioritise your mental health during the Christmas season.

You can start by prioritising your events and activities. The holiday season can present an overwhelming number of events and parties, but you do not have to attend every single one of them. It is okay to say no, especially if you are not feeling your best.

Perhaps the most stressful part for many is the financial strain of the holiday season. To ease this, set a budget—especially for gift-giving, decorations, and outfits—and stick to it. I make a list of items I want from specific stores and take only the exact amount of cash I need. This helps me focus on buying only the things I planned for.

Amidst the chaos of the Christmas rush, you should also prioritise self-care. Do not put your favourite hobbies or activities on hold simply because it is the Christmas season. Whether it is going to the gym or reading a book, continue doing the things that improve your mental or emotional well-being.

Planning is also key to avoiding the Christmas rush, especially when it comes to shopping. While it might be too late for this advice now, consider it for next year’s Christmas. Last-minute schedules often lead to unnecessary stress. Staying organised by creating lists can ensure you avoid flustering over tasks all at once.

Another piece of advice is to step away from social media—especially that Pinterest board you have been curating all year. On social media, people tend to post their gifts, decorations, and accomplishments, which can lead to internal comparisons. If you find yourself feeling less than others based on what you see online, this can contribute to stress and a decline in mental health.
As you spend your Sunday anxiously awaiting the Christmas week, I hope you take some of these suggestions into consideration. Start with self-care or some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Finally, if you are unable to meet the demands of the season, remember that it is okay to ask for help. You can reach out to family members or friends to assist with tasks you cannot manage alone. If you have the resources, you can hire someone to help with cleaning or use delivery services to purchase gifts, avoiding heavy traffic.

If the holiday season is taking a severe toll on your mental health and you are struggling to cope, seek professional support or mental health advice.
We often stress during the holidays, but it is essential to remember the true meaning of Christmas. It is a beautiful season to reconnect with family and friends, to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and to reflect on all we have to be grateful for.

With that in mind, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope you spend the week ahead being kind to yourself and your mental health.