Embracing change during the holidays

The festive season is usually advertised as a season of joy, laughter, connection and celebration but that’s just part of a picture and, in many cases, isn’t an accurate one at all. This season can bring with it a unique bundle of complex pressures which are made even more difficult if there are big life changes going on at the same time. Whatever transitions you may be going through, the expectations of Christmas and New Year can increase the load that you’re already trying to juggle and this can lead to overwhelm and burnout.

In this article, we explore how you can navigate those big life changes during the festive season with calm resilience and also look forward to a brighter future.

There’s never a convenient time for big life changes, they happen when they happen and a lot of the time you just do your best to make your way through it. The difference with the festive season is that the pressure is on wherever you look. Everyone’s shopping, planning, wrapping and organising all at the same time the expectation on you to do the same is very often there whether it’s spoken or not. Changes like relocating, the end of a relationship, job loss or retirement can create a sense of disconnection at the best of times. The experience of feeling isolated is heightened over Christmas, however.

You may feel as though you’re standing to one side while everything around you dashes about and your loved ones are celebrating. You may be feeling that you don’t fit into that picture anymore or you may be wondering if you ever did. Life changes can shift your perceptions drastically and leave you feeling uncertain of yourself, your decisions and your future and if you need to adjust to new dynamics this year, the pressure to uphold certain traditions and create the ‘perfect’ Christmas can feel overwhelming.

Christmas has a tendency to be nostalgic and you may find memories bubbling to the surface that could now be tinged with new emotions including sadness, bitterness, anger or grief. This can make Christmas a painful experience. Recognising that this is what you’re feeling is the first step to moving into a new kind of Christmas for you. 

The good news is that there are ways that you can move through this season in a way that allows you to feel balanced and secure.

Let’s have a look at a few tips to cope and even thrive through the pressures of Christmas:

Set realistic expectations

Let go of the idea of the perfect Christmas and all the pressure that comes with that. Focus on what is achievable and meaningful to you. Allow yourself to simplify this season if that’s what you need. Let it be okay to have Christmas on your terms.

Create new traditions

Christmas is a time steeped in tradition for many people. If this isn’t working for you, make some new traditions. Make Christmas a chillout and movie day, make it a pyjama party, make it a go for a walk and feel grounded day, make it quiet and low key. Make it a day that helps you. You could start a new ritual like journaling (who says you have to wait until the new year?) or volunteering in an area that you’re passionate about.

Prioritise self-care

At this time of year, it’s all too easy to neglect your own needs. It’s time to make your self-care a non-negotiable part of your holiday season. Find the self-care routines that work for you, whether it’s meditation, breathing exercises, walking in nature or taking yourself out to a cafe and having a hot chocolate. Make time for yourself and your well-being.

Practice gratitude

This can seem extra hard to do when you’re feeling low on feel-good vibes, but this isn’t an attempt to ignore that you’re going through something difficult. It’s to consciously recognise the good and positive things that you do have, however big or small. Taking a few moments each evening to reflect on the things that brought you comfort or happiness during your day or keeping a gratitude journal will bring those things that you might otherwise have missed, to your attention.

Look for support

You don’t have to go through your transition alone. Reach out to friends and family who will listen or lend a helping hand. Join a group of like-minded individuals who can help you grow your sense of community. If you prefer the professional route, find a life coach or hypnotherapist who can offer you support and guidance as well as a safe space to navigate your changes.

How can a life coach help you during the festive season?

A life coach offers powerful support during times of transition by providing a safe and structured space for you to explore emotions and your experience, gain clarity about your goals and develop practical and achievable strategies for moving forward in the direction that you want to go.

Rediscovering identity

If changes have left you feeling lost and stuck, coaching can help you rediscover your core values, your passions and help you find yourself. 

Setting boundaries

Learn to protect yourself and your energy but say no to requests that will drain you and say yes to the things that matter to you.

Stress management

Recognise where your stress triggers are and create strategies to help you remain calm and focused during busy or emotionally charged times.

Overcome overwhelm

Learn to break tasks into smaller, achievable steps, set priorities and improve time management.

Change negative thought patterns

Reframe your perspective and challenge your limiting beliefs so you can focus on opportunities and joy.

There’s no doubt that the festive season brings its own particular blend of challenges but it can also be a time of growth and renewal. By embracing change with an open mind and heart and allowing the self-compassion that you need, you can create a holiday experience that is more aligned with your needs, your values and your happiness.

Life is a journey and the road can get bumpy. If you’re struggling to find your way through some changes in your life, know that support is available. Together we can turn this into a season of possibility.