Christmas Isn’t Always the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

For many people, Christmas is painted as a season of joy, togetherness, and celebration. And for some, that does feel true. But for many others, Christmas can be one of the hardest times of the year.

You might be facing this season feeling:

·                Alone, without the people you wish you had around you

·                Overwhelmed by noise, crowds, food, change, and sensory overload linked to neurodivergence

·                Exhausted by the pressure of preparation, expectations, and “getting everything right”

·                Anxious or distressed about spending time with family where boundaries, safety, or respect don’t always exist

·                Triggered by memories, grief, loss, or difficult past experiences tied to this time of year

If any of that resonates with you, I want you to know first and foremost: you are not broken for finding Christmas hard. There is nothing wrong with you for struggling at a time when the world tells you that you should be happy.

At Aberdeen Bespoke Counselling, this reality is deeply understood.

How Therapy Can Support You Through Christmas

Therapy can be an anchor during the festive season — a steady, grounded space where you don’t have to pretend, perform, or push your feelings aside.

Here are some of the key ways counselling can help at this time of year:

1. Preparing for Christmas in a Way That Works for You

Rather than pushing through on autopilot, therapy offers a space to gently explore:

·                What feels hardest about Christmas for you?

·                What are you dreading?

·                What do you need more of — and less of?

Together, we can look at how to prepare emotionally, not just practically. That might include:

·                Setting realistic expectations

·                Planning for moments of overwhelm

·                Identifying triggers and early warning signs

·                Developing coping tools that are tailored to you

2. Working on Boundaries (and Remembering You Have a Choice)

Christmas can magnify old family roles, people-pleasing patterns, and unspoken expectations. Therapy can support you to gently remind yourself that:

·                You can say no

·                You can opt out

·                You do not owe anyone your emotional wellbeing

·                You are allowed to change your mind

·                You are allowed to protect your peace

Boundaries are not about rejection — they are about self-respect and self-protection. And for many, Christmas is exactly where boundary work becomes truly life-changing.

3. If You’re Spending Christmas Alone

Being alone at Christmas doesn’t mean being unwanted — but it can still be deeply painful. Therapy can help you explore ways to create a day that feels intentional rather than empty.

That might include:

·                Planning a gentle self-care day

·                Creating a “comfort menu” of favourite films, food, scents, music, or rituals

·                Having a “spoil yourself” day without guilt

·                Volunteering or helping others if that feels meaningful for you

·                Connecting with nature, animals, or creativity

·                Allowing the day to be quiet, slow, and pressure-free

There is no “right” way to do Christmas. There is only your way.

4. Staying Emotionally Safe During the Festive Period

Therapy can also help you develop safe strategies for managing:

·                Overstimulating environments

·                Difficult conversations and relationships

·                Old emotional wounds resurfacing

·                Alcohol-related stressors

·                Guilt, obligation, or emotional manipulation

·                Burnout and exhaustion

This may include grounding techniques, exit plans, sensory regulation tools, communication strategies, and permission to take breaks — without self-judgement.

5. Holding Space for What This Season Brings Up

Christmas can stir up grief, childhood pain, unmet needs, and feelings of what “should have been.” Therapy offers you a space where those feelings are welcome, not rushed, fixed, or minimised.

You don’t have to carry that weight alone.

A Few Gentle Things to Remember This Christmas

As this season approaches, I’d love to leave you with a few reminders:

·                It’s okay to say no

·                It’s okay to do what you want to do

·                It’s okay if you feel guilty — guilt doesn’t mean you’re doing the wrong thing

·                It’s okay to step out of people-pleasing

·                It’s okay to rest

·                It’s okay to protect your energy

·                It’s okay if Christmas is just another day you get through

·                And it’s okay if this year, you choose yourself

You deserve care too.

If You’re Not in Therapy Yet…

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Maybe next year I’ll finally focus on myself,” then perhaps 2026 could be your year.

Your year to:

·                Heal old patterns

·                Learn how to meet your own needs

·                Build safer relationships

·                Understand yourself more deeply

·                And begin choosing yourself with compassion, not guilt

Aberdeen Bespoke Counselling would be honoured to walk alongside you on that journey.