Key points

Holiday stress is common but manageable.

Contrary to popular belief, mental health hospital admissions actually fall at Christmas.

Letting go of perfection and living in the moment can help reduce holiday distress.

Spending time alone helps us to appreciate Christmas Source: Daniel Reche / Pexels

The holidays bring stress, but this can be managed

For many people, Christmas is a season of joy, connection, and celebration. Yet surveys consistently show that it can also be one of the most stressful periods of the year. Financial pressure, family expectations, crowded schedules, and the idea of a “perfect Christmas” can leave people feeling overwhelmed rather than uplifted.

However, the relationship between the holidays and mental health is more nuanced than it first appe

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