If you're reading this around the holidays, searching for some solace after you've been near tears for any number of reasons, let's get you back on your feet. The most common reasons for holiday meltdowns:

  1. Missing family and friends
  2. Despite all your best efforts, the celebrations haven’t gone as planned
  3. Overwhelmed with all your obligations
  4. Economic issues
  5. Being insulted by family or friends
  6. Relationship issues

The first step is acknowledging your feelings and where they stem from. Accept your feelings as normal and something that you will get through.

The next step is to relax. Take a time out. Take some deep breaths. Drink a cup of tea and put on It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story, or some other film that can help you relax (The Family Stone is a more modern feel-good film for the holidays).

Get centered. Take a look back through the year at all that you’ve accomplished. Try to forgive those who were unkind to you (including yourself). Call your mom and tell her you miss her, or talk to your daughter and tell her how much you love her. Make a mental list of all the things you are thankful for.

Once you’re feeling stronger, address the issue with a clear head. Sometimes you will just need to sleep on it too. If plans are too complicated or not working out, be ready to be flexible – prioritize and say “no” to the plans that just aren’t worth it.

Remember that the best gifts are often the ones that cost time, not money.

Have you had any holiday meltdowns? How do you cope? Sharing stories and hearing others is another great way to relieve the holiday stress. 

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