Is Christmas always a jolly time of year?

Hayley McAuley
Dec 1, 2022
3 min read

Updated: May 22, 2025

Christmas – ‘tis the season to be jolly…..or not!

For many people, Christmas is a time for reflection and connection. Aside from the religious and commercial elements of Christmas, many people take some time off work, send time connecting with family and friends and reflecting on the year that has passed as well as making plans for the year ahead.

However, whilst many are tucking into their Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and filling themselves up on one too many mince pies whilst singing to festive songs, others will be dreading the thought of Christmas without a loved one, without the money to be able to treat their nearest and dearest and feeling the effects that the colder and darker winter months bring to some people.

Anxiety and stress are elevated at Christmas time for many people and for many different reasons so as therapists, it’s extremely important for us to recognise this in our clients and be mindful of our own feelings about Christmas. I often see posts on social media of people in the mental health profession asking if they should decorate their office or therapy room for Christmas, or take part in Christmas jumper day. Whilst we are encouraged in training to be authentic and true to ourselves, when working with clients, we must do what is in their best interests, so I feel for me personally that avoiding anything that could be a potential trigger is the best choice.

What feelings does Christmas time bring up for you? Do you enjoy Christmas and all that it brings or do you feel tired, overwhelmed with all the hype and feel like you want to run to your cave and hide until it’s all over?

Maybe asking yourself questions about why you feel certain feelings around Christmas will help to develop some self awareness. Do you get enjoyment from seeing children enjoy the magic of Christmas? Do you find that having time with family that you don’t see very often is the best part of Christmas? Understanding what makes you happy about Christmas could benefit you in the future when you are maybe feeling a little lost – remind yourself of the things that bring you joy.

Similarly, asking yourself what you dread about Christmas may help you to discover what changes you may want to make in your life. Do you spend the festive season trying to please everyone else at the expense of your own happiness? Does it feel forced and inauthentic? Are you allowing people to challenge your boundaries? Are you missing a loved one who is no longer with you? Allowing yourself to determine why you feel this way is the first step in taking control.

For anyone needing support or help over Christmas, both psychologically and practically, I have put together some helpline numbers and websites that some of you may find useful. Please see the bottom of the post for these.

Whatever your views and feelings about Christmas, I do hope that you are able to take time to spend time on yourself doing whatever makes you happy.

Best wishes

Hayley McAuley

Psychotherapist

Curious Counselling & Psychotherapy

APHP

NRPC

Helpline numbers and websites.

Samaritans – 116 123

Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide – 0800 068 4141

Childline – 0800 1111

Cruse Bereavement – 0808 808 1677