Why the Holidays Feel So Overwhelming (Even When Nothing Is ‘Wrong’)
The holiday season carries a very particular kind of intensity. On the surface, everything looks warm and bright - lights in the streets, social events, a cozy hot mug of Glühwein or Cacao, and a promise of rest. And yet, many of us feel quite the opposite inside: tightness in the chest, a busy mind, a sense of emotional overload.
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone.
The interesting part is that overwhelm in December often doesn’t come from one “big” thing. It’s more subtle than that - a layered mix of expectations, unspoken family dynamics, a full calendar, and the pressure to feel a certain way. Even when things are objectively fine, your system may still feel stretched.
Here are a few reasons why:
1. Your nervous system is receiving more input than usual.
Noise, lights, gatherings, to-do lists - even joyful things can be stimulating. When your system doesn’t get enough space to downshift, it can easily tip into overwhelm.
2. Old patterns tend to resurface this time of year.
Especially when visiting family. Family roles, emotional memories, habits of being “the responsible one” or “the calm one” often show up again, even if you’ve outgrown them.
3. You’re holding more than you realise.
End-of-year reflections, unfinished tasks, gifts to buy, work deadlines, the pressure to plan for January, social obligations - all of it lives in the body as much as in the mind.
4. Your body feels the pace of the season, even if you try to keep up.
The natural rhythm of winter is slow, inward, and restorative. Our lives in December are often the opposite, and this creates extra tension.
None of this means you’re doing anything wrong. It means you’re human - and your system is giving you signals that it needs more support, more space, and a gentler way of moving through this month.
Small things you can do right now
You don’t need a full reset or a big solution. Small, intentional moments of presence can already shift a lot:
Pause for three slow breaths before entering a social situation.
Put a hand on your chest or belly when you feel rushed.
Give yourself permission to step out of a conversation or room for a moment.
Name (quietly to yourself) what you’re actually feeling - without needing to change it.
These small interventions can help your system settle. They also help you move through the season with more clarity and grounding.
If this resonates and you’d like support in navigating December with more ease - or in starting the new year feeling anchored rather than depleted - my work might be a good fit.
In my 1:1 sessions, I combine systemic counselling with mindful yoga practices to create a calm, safe space for exactly this kind of inner work.
