“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Is It Really?

The song tells us, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” But is it?

For some, the holidays really do feel magical—filled with festive lights, family traditions, and moments of joy. But for many, this time of year brings a mix of emotions. Maybe you’re juggling family dynamics that feel tense or exhausting. Perhaps you’re grieving someone who’s no longer here, or feeling the weight of financial stress. Maybe the holidays just don’t resonate with you, and you feel out of step with all the expectations.

It’s okay if this season feels complicated. It’s okay if it’s not the most wonderful time for you.

As a mindfulness practitioner, I see this season as an opportunity—not to fix how we’re feeling, but to meet ourselves exactly where we are. By leaning into mindfulness attitudes like acceptance, letting go, and self-compassion, we can navigate this time of year with a little more ease and authenticity.

Navigating the Challenges of the Holidays

• Family Tensions
  The holidays often bring people together, but that doesn’t mean everything feels warm and fuzzy. Old patterns, unresolved issues, or clashing personalities can make gatherings stressful.

  If you find yourself in a tense situation, take a pause. Breathe. You don’t have to engage in every conversation or meet every expectation. It’s okay to say, “Let’s focus on enjoying this time together,” and shift the energy.

• Missing Loved Ones
  If you’ve lost someone dear, the holidays can feel especially hard. Traditions that once brought joy might now feel like reminders of their absence.

  Give yourself space to grieve. Light a candle for them, share a memory, or allow yourself to cry. Grief and love are intertwined, and it’s okay to hold both this season.

• Financial Strain
  The pressure to buy gifts, host elaborate meals, or decorate perfectly can be overwhelming, especially if funds are tight.

  Let go of the idea that love and care are measured by price tags. Thoughtful, simple gestures—a handwritten note, a heartfelt conversation, or a cozy night in—are often the most meaningful.

• Feeling Disconnected
  Not everyone celebrates the holidays, and that’s okay. Seeing the world wrapped in tinsel can feel isolating when it doesn’t match your reality.

  Focus on what brings you comfort and joy. Maybe that’s a quiet walk in nature, a favorite book, or volunteering to help others. Your season doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

A Mindful Approach to the Holidays

Mindfulness isn’t about forcing yourself to feel a certain way. It’s about making space for whatever you’re feeling—whether that’s joy, sadness, stress, or all of the above.

• Acceptance invites you to acknowledge your experience without judgment.

• Letting Go encourages you to release the expectations or “shoulds” that weigh you down.

• Self-Compassion reminds you to treat yourself with kindness, especially when things feel hard.

These small shifts can make a big difference.

Finding Joy—On Your Terms

The “most wonderful time of the year” doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Maybe joy looks like a quiet evening with a warm drink, a heartfelt moment with a friend, or simply taking a deep breath and letting yourself rest.

However you approach this season, know that it’s okay to honor your own experience. There’s no right or wrong way to move through the holidays. And if it ever feels like too much, support is just a call away. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 to listen and help.

Wherever this season finds you, I hope you can discover moments of peace, connection, and maybe even a little joy.

💙 Be well,
Kristin