The holidays can be a time of joy, connection and celebration — but they can also be stressful. Dr. Albert Pace of St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver, offers three practical ideas to help make the season more manageable.
Setting the stage, Dr. Pace draws inspiration from the beloved holiday classic Christmas Vacation and points out the contrast between two characters: the ever-optimistic Cousin Eddie and the perpetually stressed Clark Griswold. Despite his flaws, Cousin Eddie finds joy in any situation — even when things go wrong, like when he receives a Jelly of the Month Club subscription instead of a Christmas bonus. Meanwhile, Clark’s high expectations and frustrations keep him stressed throughout the movie. These characters provide a lens through which we can examine our own holiday attitudes and find a better balance.
Here are three tips for staying calm and grounded this holiday season:
1. Manage Your Expectations
Our expectations often shape the way we approach the holidays. Past experiences or anticipations of conflict can color how we feel and behave, which can, in turn, influence others’ reactions to us.
“Being aware of your expectations and holding them more loosely can be really helpful,” Dr. Pace said.
Recognizing and adjusting your mindset can create space for a more positive and flexible holiday experience.
2. It’s Okay to Say No
The holidays come with many demands, from attending gatherings to participating in events. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the busyness of the season.
Dr. Pace encourages giving yourself permission to decline invitations or activities that feel like too much.
“Saying no to extra things beyond the normal holiday demands can help reduce stress and create moments of rest,” he explained.
3. Unplug and Reconnect
Modern life is full of distractions, and the holidays are no exception. Phones, televisions and computers keep us overstimulated, even during moments meant for rest.
Dr. Pace suggests taking time each day to completely unplug — whether through prayer, meditation or quiet reflection.
“Just five minutes of unplugged time can significantly reduce stress and help reset your nervous system,” he said.
By adopting these practices, we can approach the holidays with more peace and joy, perhaps even embodying Cousin Eddie’s cheerful outlook. Remember, a little mindfulness goes a long way in making the season brighter for you and those around you.
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St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country, offers individual, couple, family and school-based counseling. Spanning the Archdiocese of Denver and part of Catholic Charities, our team of clinicians provides therapy and counseling in alignment with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Call 720-377-1359 or visit straphaelcounseling.com to get started.
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