“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” will soon hit the airwaves, but for many people, the holidays are more a time of stress and anxiety.

“We’re asked to process not just the immediate demands of the holidays but also the cumulative weight of everything we’ve experienced over the past 12 months” says Capitol Hill therapist Monica Band. “For those who’ve faced loss, disappointment, or struggle throughout the year, this concentrated period of reflection can feel heavy.”

That’s true of any year, but it’s been a particularly stressful time for Washingtonians affected by layoffs, a federal takeover of DC, and the government shutdown—a noxious combination that can make a season that’s rife with presents (more to spend) and parties (more questions to answer) into a very taxing time.

Band

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