The Holidays & the Heart: Embracing the Roller Coaster of Emotions

As the air becomes crisper and decorations begin to pop up in windows and storefronts, it’s easy to feel swept up in the holiday “magic.” Twinkling lights, the scent of baking, familiar songs. All of these can stir excitement, warmth, and connection. But for many of us, the holiday season also brings shadows: grief, loneliness, stress, and overwhelm.

At Holistic Hive Co., we see this every year. The holidays can be a time of deep joy, but they can also bring up feelings we’ve tucked away. We want to hold space for all of those emotions and to invite you to consider how counseling can be a gift to yourself during this season.

The Many Faces of Holiday Emotions

Excitement & Anticipation

We look forward to reconnecting with loved ones, sharing meals, giving and receiving gifts, and creating new memories. That anticipation can bring a warm glow, a sense of belonging, and genuine joy.

Sadness & Loss

It’s common to feel tender around memories of people who have passed, traditions that have changed, or the absence of someone beloved. The shorter days and changing weather can also sneak in through the cracks, bringing a heaviness or sense of melancholy.

Stress, Tension & Overwhelm

Between travel logistics, shifts in daily routines, coordinating with family, and managing expectations, stress can quietly accumulate. Boundaries can be tested. Schedules get thrown off. Even positive interactions can leave us emotionally drained.

Why These Emotions Are Normal (And Worth Paying Attention To)

Emotions are signals. They tell us what’s alive, what’s needed, and where we might be out of alignment. Grief doesn’t have a season.  The holidays, with their rituals and traditions, can amplify what’s been under the surface. Loneliness is also a valid holiday emotion; you’re not “supposed” to feel happy just because it’s the holidays, and missing connection is real. Stress often comes from the gap between expectations and reality, as many people feel the invisible pressure to “make it perfect,” which invites tension. Ignoring or suppressing these emotions can lead to burnout, irritability, or deeper sadness, while acknowledging them gives you a chance to respond with kindness to yourself.

How Counseling or Talking With Someone Helps

You might think, “I should just push through this,” or “Everyone else is fine.” But making space to talk can make a difference, sometimes in small ways and sometimes in big ones. Here’s how counseling or talk therapy can support you during the season:

• Name the emotions. Sometimes the weight lifts simply by naming what you're feeling: sadness, anger, guilt, loneliness.

• Understand your patterns. Why does tension flare when Aunt Sarah shows up? Why does travel throw you off? Therapy helps reveal patterns so you can respond differently.

• Practice self-compassion. You’re allowed to not be “full of joy” all the time. Gentle guidance can help you hold both your grief and gratitude.

• Improve communication and set boundaries. Learn skills to handle tough conversations, say “no,” and stand your ground with kindness and firmness.

• Stay present. Techniques like mindfulness, breathing exercises, or body awareness can help steady you when emotions feel overwhelming.

• Grieve in your own way. A therapist can help you create meaningful rituals or processes to remember those you’ve lost, rather than sweeping the sorrow under the rug.

Sometimes, you don’t need a formal therapist. A trusted friend, mentor, or spiritual guide can listen with presence and empathy. Therapists, though, offer extra training, neutrality, and structure to help when things feel heavy.

Practical Tips for Emotional Self-Care This Season

• Pause & check in daily. Ask yourself: What’s alive in me today?  Is it joy, grief, or tension? Allow space rather than numbing.

• Schedule “rest” time. Don’t overschedule. Leave open slots for breathing, quiet, or doing nothing.

• Create small rituals. Light a candle, journal for five minutes, walk outside, or play calming music. These simple practices can help you feel more grounded.

• Lean into connection. Reach out to someone you trust and say, “I’m feeling [X] today — can we talk?” Vulnerability can be a doorway to support.

• Set boundaries ahead of time. Decide what you can realistically engage with (guests, parties, obligations) and what you need to decline. Saying “no” can be an act of self-care.

• Honor memories. Do something, big or small, to remember loved ones. You might light a candle, hang an ornament, or share stories.

• Seek help early. If sadness or stress feels too heavy, remember that therapy is not just for crisis. It can also support maintenance, healing, and growth.

An Invitation from Holistic Hive Co.

If you find yourself navigating complex emotions this season or feel unsure about how you’ll get through it, you don’t have to do it alone. At Holistic Hive Co., we offer a compassionate, integrative approach to mental and emotional wellness. We believe in supporting the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and we would be honored to sit with you through both the bright and difficult moments of the season.

If you'd like to talk, reach out, schedule a session, or simply ask a question, we’re here.

May your days be filled with more gentleness than pressure, more presence than perfection, and more humanity than expectations.