Navigating Holiday Pressures

The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also bring stress, sadness, or pressure that feels overwhelming.  

• Feeling the pressure of decorating the house inside and out to make the holiday magical for your relatives, and to be able to participate in the Annual Neola “Old Lady” Walker Holiday Lighting Contest.

• Feeling the pressure of hosting everyone at home: Winnebago Public School, St. Augustine, and other area schools are on break so kids are home. Relatives might be coming back or over for your holiday traditions, and the resulting desire to plan, purchase, and prepare special meals or entertainment.  

• Feeling the sadness of being lonely over the holidays. Missing someone or more than one person that you wish were there.  

• Feeling the stress of finding and affording the perfect gift for each of your family members or feeling the sadness of not being able to afford the things you want or see others doing.  

The holidays are a lot – but on top of it are the family history, personalities, and family relationship dynamics to navigate, and cold & flu season. If you are feeling anxious, you are not alone.  

1. Set Realistic Expectations 

It starts with committing to setting realistic expectations. The holidays come with unspoken pressure to make everything "perfect" such as ideal gatherings, perfect gifts, and flawless hosting. Instead of chasing perfection, take a moment to reflect on what matters to you. By letting go of unrealistic standards, you free up mental space to appreciate the good parts. It’s important to accept that the season may bring a mix of joy and difficult feelings, so we encourage you to create realistic expectations and to ‘give yourself permission’ to feel whatever comes up.  

2. Create a Holiday Budget 

Money worries are one of the biggest stressors during the holidays—with gifts, travel, food, and decorations expenses can add up fast. It is never too late to create a budget. Begin by mapping out all the expenses you expect. Next, break them into categories and set a spending limit for each. Having a plan gives you clarity and control, helping you avoid overspending, reduce stress, and head into the new year without holiday regret or debt. Budgeting doesn’t have to stop with the holidays. This is also a great time to make a better plan for next year. WCHS's Benefits Team can help guide you to financial resources, so this season and 2026 feel more manageable. 

3. Prioritize Self-Care 

Amid the holiday rush, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. Make self-care non-negotiable by: 

• Move your body, try a class at Whirling Thunder or go for a walk outside at Land of Wellness.
• Stay Healthy: During cold and flu season and with the increased germ exposure that comes with   large gatherings, it is even more important to ensure you are doing the little things to stay well. Get your flu shot, get enough sleep, fuel your body with nutritious foods, and choose water to stay hydrated. 
•  Take advantage of your employers' work-life balance programs. For example, at WCHS, you could use a PTO day to give yourself some quiet time before or after the holiday to prepare and/or decompress.   

4. Navigate Relationships & Set Boundaries 

 Not every gathering, tradition, or event requires your participation.   Decide what’s worth your time and emotional energy—and don’t be afraid to   say “no.” This can include limiting time spent at stressful family gatherings, skipping gift exchanges, declining activities that push your budget too far, or adding or substituting activities that create endorphins.

For example, plan a Saturday morning pickup basketball game with uncles, brothers, or friends to blow off some energy while reconnecting, or get your mom and sisters to go on a walk after dinner while other family members clean up.  

Consider meeting with WCHS Behavioral Health Clinic’s therapists to learn tools that can assist you in setting healthy boundaries. Boundaries protect your peace and energy, helping you enjoy what you choose to engage with instead of feeling resentful or drained, while intentionally including activity can help remove tension and allow you to better navigate complex relationships. 

5. Lean on Support 

The holidays don’t have to be faced alone. Friends or  community groups can offer advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear to help you connect with others and  are many support programs, events, and services available in Winnebago, Nebraska and the surrounding community. For example, skip the planning and clean up and let your community entertain your relatives, take advantage of and participate in some of the WCHS, WTN, and other community events available at this time of year. Strong support systems—whether personal, community, or through WCHS—can reduce   stress, boost your mood, and help you create meaningful connections that make the season brighter.  

Taken together, these steps can empower you to approach the holidays with balance, resilience, and a sense of calm. The season is not about perfection or checking off every tradition, but about connection, gratitude, and creating meaningful experiences for yourself and those around you. By embracing these principles, you can enjoy the spirit of the holidays without letting stress take over.