How to Protect Your Peace This Holiday Season (Even When the Darkness Creeps In)
The holidays are supposed to be joyful, cozy, and connected. But for many people, this time of year brings more stress than celebration—especially when paired with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), social pressure, and complex family dynamics. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we want you to know: you’re not alone if you’re dreading the holiday season. You deserve to protect your peace.
When the Holidays Don’t Feel Like a Celebration You might be feeling:
Pressured to show up for family you feel disconnected from
Anxious about money, gatherings, or forced cheer
Disconnected from holiday traditions that don’t reflect your identity
Isolated, grieving, or numb
All of that is real. You’re allowed to feel whatever comes up.
Add in Seasonal Shifts, and Everything Feels Heavier SAD isn’t just a case of the "winter blues." As daylight fades and energy drops, you may notice:
More fatigue, even if you’re sleeping a lot
Difficulty concentrating
Withdrawal from social situations
Increased feelings of hopelessness
Layer that with holiday stress? It’s no wonder you feel off.
Ways to Protect Your Peace (and Your Energy)
Set boundaries early. Give yourself permission to say no, leave early, or opt out entirely.
Create your own rituals. You don’t have to follow traditions that no longer serve you.
Plan for brightness. Use light therapy, walks, or window time to help with mood shifts.
Make room for quiet. It’s okay to crave stillness while the world demands celebration.
Let yourself feel. Grief, ambivalence, or even joy—it all deserves space.
Therapy Can Help You Stay Grounded At Sprout, we offer support for:
Boundary setting and communication
Navigating complex family relationships
Coping with SAD and seasonal transitions
Making sense of emotional overwhelm during this season
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Final Thoughts This season doesn’t have to look like a postcard. You can celebrate differently, opt out entirely, or just survive it gently. However you're moving through the holidays, your peace is worth protecting.
Need support this holiday season? Sprout Therapy PDX offers compassionate, identity-affirming therapy for people navigating family, mood changes, and seasonal overwhelm. Reach out today to get matched with a therapist who understands.