It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year… except, it might not be. No matter how you celebrate it can be stressful, emotional, and down right rough navigating Octber through the end of the year.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you navigate this holiday season:

1.) You don’t have to celebrate. Whether it’s choosing to try something else or just not celebrating family traditions, you have the right and power to decide how you want to spend this time of year. Which leads me to…

2.) You get to decide who to spend the holidays with. You might not want to “go home” or see that one uncle who gives you the creeps (I’m looking at you Uncle Bob). And if that’s you, setting boundaries by not being around people who make you uncomfortable could be the way to go.

3.) Talk with the people who do bring holiday joy. Turn toward those who light you up and allow you to be in a safe space this holiday season. You could start your own tradition of brining these people together and celebrating however you see fit.

If you find that these areas are hard or you’re not sure where to start, it might be time to think about therapy. Start your new year off with a gift to yourself by exploring on a more deeper level what the holidays mean to you. Therapy allows you to learn to navigate this time of year with tools and emotional inteligence.

Here are a few things I like to do to make the holidays feel more special for me and my family:

1.) Set time aside to decorate together with some lovely holiday music and lights

2.) Spend time with loved ones doing holiday themed events or if you’re lucky to live by a holiday marktet, go visit one!

3.) Time outside in the crips winter air–bonus point if it’s a hike!

4.) Watch your favorite holiday movie.

The holidays can be stressful, but they don’t have to be. With your own tools and community by your side, you can navigate this time. However you celebrate this holiday season, may it bring you peave, joy, and love. From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!