Why You Feel Pressure to Adhere to Christmas Traditions – and How to Reject the Ones You Don’t Like

All The Little Things I’m Doing (& Buying) In December To Feel Extra-Festive In A Heavy Year

Anastasiia Krivenok/Getty ImagesDecember is finally here, and honestly, it feels a bit like the 100th month in the year — the entirety of 2025 has felt heavy in so many ways. But as a certified Christmas freak, seven days a week, I couldn’t stand the thought of just waiting for festivity to magically appear (and being trapped in the fear that it may not). So, I decided to spark my own comfort and joy.I’m not reinventing the holiday wheel here. I…

How to fight stress from the pressure of following traditions during the holidays

It’s December, the weather’s turning, and the holidays are fast approaching. You’ve got to find the perfect gift for your partner, parents or that weird relative you only see once a year. At work, there’s the secret Santa for a colleague you barely know, and the office party you’d rather avoid.

Why you feel pressure to adhere to Christmas traditions – and how to reject the ones you don’t like

Roman Samborskyi/ShutterstockIt’s December, the weather’s turning, and the holidays are fast approaching. You’ve got to find the perfect gift for your partner, parents or that weird relative you only see once a year. At work, there’s the secret Santa for a colleague you barely know, and the office party you’d rather avoid. Maybe you’re planning Christmas lunch – is it turkey and all the trimmings? There’s travel to sort out, dodging the rush hou…

OICA: Handling Stress Over the Holidays

By Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy CEO Joe Dorman With the beginning of December and upcoming celebrations, stress is an inevitable part of the season. Holidays are often portrayed as joyful and exciting, but many children experience significant stress. Changes in normal routine, more social events, travel plans (with inevitable disruptions), and elevated expectations often make this time of year feel overwhelming. Children may disguise the