Finding calm during the festive season

The festive season often promises joy, togetherness, and celebration. But for many, this time of year can also feel heavy, with stress and anxiety overshadowing the magic.

The pressure to host the perfect gathering, find the perfect gifts, or balance complicated family dynamics can leave you feeling drained, disconnected, and overwhelmed.

Does this sound familiar? Maybe it’s the financial stress of holiday spending, the tension of unresolved family conflicts, or simply trying to meet everyone’s expectations, often at the expense of your own well-being. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. It’s okay to admit that the festive season isn’t all glitter and sparkle — it’s human to feel the weight of it all.

Why do the holidays feel so stressful?

The festive season often amplifies our daily stressors. It’s a time when emotions — both joyful and challenging — can run high. Some common contributors to festive anxiety include:

• Family tensions: Navigating complicated relationships or old conflicts resurfacing during gatherings.
• Financial strain: Stretching budgets to cover gifts, meals, and travel.
• Perfectionism: Trying to meet impossible expectations, whether it’s the “perfect” Christmas dinner or the “ideal” family photo.

These feelings can pull you out of the present moment, leaving you caught in a loop of worry or self-doubt. But the good news is, you don’t have to manage it all on your own. Simple, effective tools like EFT tapping can help you create space for calm and connection during this demanding time.

What is EFT tapping?

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), or tapping, is a practical and therapeutic tool that combines acupressure and affirmations to release emotional tension and stress. Imagine it as “emotional acupuncture,” but without needles — just gentle tapping on specific points on your body.

The beauty of EFT is that it’s quick, accessible, and doesn’t require a quiet room or perfect setting. You can do it anywhere: while sitting in the car before a family gathering, taking a breather in the middle of gift-wrapping, or even during a walk outdoors to clear your mind.

How to use EFT for festive stress

Here’s how you can use EFT to help manage festive anxiety and regain a sense of balance:

Pause and reflect

Take a moment to identify what’s causing your stress. Is it the long to-do list? Worries about family conversations? Or perhaps the fear of not meeting expectations? Rate the intensity of the feeling on a scale of one to 10.

The setup statement

Start tapping on the side of your hand while saying a self-acceptance statement aloud. For example:

• “Even though I feel overwhelmed by everything I need to do, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
• “Even though I’m worried about how this family gathering will go, I honour my feelings and accept myself.”

Tap through the points

Move through the tapping points on your face, upper body, and hands. As you tap, voice the emotions you’re feeling:

• “All this holiday pressure.”
• “The fear of letting people down.”
• “This tightness in my chest.”

Invite calm

Once you notice the intensity of your emotions easing, begin to replace the phrases with calming affirmations:

• “I choose to feel calm and grounded.”
• “I am doing my best, and that is enough.”
• “I allow myself to enjoy this moment, free from pressure.”

Check in

Take a deep breath and notice any changes. Has the tension eased? Do you feel lighter or more centred? If needed, repeat the process until you feel calmer.

When to use EFT tapping

The festive season can be a time of both beauty and challenge. It’s okay to acknowledge the hard parts. You’re allowed to say no, to set boundaries, and to choose peace over perfection. And when those moments of overwhelm creep in, EFT tapping can help you pause, reconnect with yourself, and let go of what you can’t control.

But sometimes, the weight of festive stress runs deeper than a single moment. Maybe it stirs up old patterns, family dynamics, or unresolved emotions. In these cases, having the support of a counsellor or therapist can make a world of difference. A professional can help you explore the roots of your feelings, provide a safe space to process them and empower you with tools to navigate not just the festive season but life’s challenges more broadly.

You don’t have to do this alone

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of kindness. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate the highs and lows. Whether it’s through EFT tapping, a mindfulness practice, or seeking professional support, know that it’s okay to prioritise your emotional well-being.

If festive stress feels overwhelming, reaching out to a counsellor might be the first step toward understanding and untangling the deeper layers of what you’re experiencing. You don’t have to go through it alone. There’s always someone ready to listen, to help, and to walk alongside you on this journey.

The festive season isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. And that includes reconnecting with yourself. Take a moment to breathe, tap, and remind yourself: you are enough, just as you are.