For many people, the holiday season is a blend of excitement, tradition, and community gatherings. But behind the lights, events, and to-do lists, this time of year can also bring stress, pressure, loneliness, grief, financial strain, and emotional exhaustion. If you’re feeling “off” this season, you’re not alone — holiday stress is more common than most people realize.
In a small, tight-knit community like the San Luis Valley, life can feel extra full this time of year. School events, family expectations, faith gatherings, work obligations, and travel all compete for time and energy. And when you mix in shorter days, colder weather, and the emotional weight of the year coming to a close, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
SLVBHG is here to remind you:
It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to feel how you feel. And it’s more than okay to ask for support.
Let’s explore a few ways to protect your mental health during the holidays — gently, realistically, and with compassion.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel What You Feel
Not everyone feels joyful in December. The holidays can bring up:
- Grief for loved ones who are no longer here
- Tension in relationships or family dynamics
- Loneliness or isolation
- Worry about buying gifts or hosting gatherings
- Emotional burnout from a stressful year
Whatever you’re feeling, it’s valid. You don’t have to “pretend to be happy” or push your emotions aside.
A helpful practice:
Take 60 seconds each morning to check in with yourself. Ask:
“What do I need today?”
Your answer might be rest, boundaries, quiet, connection, or simply a moment to breathe.
2. Set Gentle Boundaries with Holiday Expectations
The holidays can create a whirlwind of expectations — to attend every event, buy the perfect gifts, or keep traditions exactly the same year after year.
But you’re allowed to adjust.
Try these simple boundary-setting steps:
- Say “maybe” instead of “yes” if you’re not sure yet.
- Limit how many events you attend to protect your energy.
- Choose smaller, low-cost traditions that bring real joy.
- Let people know your limits kindly, such as:
- “I’d love to join, but I need a quieter evening tonight.”
Healthy boundaries protect your emotional wellbeing — and they help you show up more fully when you genuinely want to.
3. Create Small Moments of Joy (Even If the Season Is Hard)
You don’t have to do “big holiday magic” to feel good.
Small moments often bring the most comfort:
- Lighting a candle
- Taking a winter walk around your neighborhood
- Listening to a favorite song or holiday playlist
- Texting someone you care about
- Making a warm drink and enjoying it slowly
- Watching the snow fall
These tiny practices can help ground your mood, lower stress, and remind your brain it’s safe to relax.
4. Lean Into Community (It Helps More Than You Think)
One of the strengths of the San Luis Valley is how people show up for each other. If you’re struggling, connection — even a small moment of it — can make a big difference.
Consider:
- Attending a local church or community event
- Saying yes to coffee with a trusted friend
- Joining a winter craft fair, small business event, or school activity
- Reaching out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while
Human connection, even brief, helps reduce loneliness and boosts emotional resilience.
5. Take Care of Your Body to Support Your Mind
During winter — especially at our high altitude — our bodies and brains need extra care.
Focus on:
Rest
Build in recovery time, especially after busy days.
Nutrition
You don’t have to “eat perfectly.” Just try to balance treats with nourishing foods.
Movement
A 10-minute walk, gentle stretching, or shoveling snow all count as mental-health-boosting movement.
Daylight
Get outside during the brightest part of the day if you can — even a few minutes helps regulate mood.
6. If You Need Support, You’re Not Alone
If holiday stress is affecting your sleep, relationships, motivation, appetite, or emotional balance, reaching out for help is a sign of strength — not weakness.
SLVBHG is here to support individuals and families across the San Luis Valley with compassionate, confidential mental health and substance use services.
You deserve support, and you don’t have to navigate this season alone.
Crisis & Contact Information
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
For mental health crisis support anywhere in Colorado, call or text 988.
To access SLVBHG's Crisis Support Team or to learn more about SLVBHG services and schedule an appointment: 719-589-3671
