The Holiday Blues Are Real: Embracing All Your Emotions

When your emotions and outlook don’t quite match up to the cheerful window displays and festive social media posts on your feed, it’s perfectly okay to take a pause. Remind yourself that your experience doesn’t need to be the same as others (which, by the way, are likely a polished version of what’s really going on!).

If this season is more of a “Get Through” rather than a “Start Over,” embrace that. And remember that you’re absolutely not the only one wishing you could fast-forward the to-do lists to get through it all.

— Start Over Kitty

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DEEP DIVE

The Holiday Blues Are Real

Even people who start playing holiday music on November 1 can experience loss, grief, sadness, and even despair during this time of year. While some are genuinely experiencing highlight-reel moments with family and friends, others are quietly navigating through shadows of past memories, present challenges, and future uncertainties.

Some of us are experiencing both poles at exactly the same time.

Your job: Acknowledge the feelings. All of them.

Every twinkling light we see might illuminate a different emotion for each person who views it. For some, it sparks joy and wonder. For me? Sometimes, it’s excitement and joy, and in other moments, I feel sadness or loneliness. For others, it might stir memories of loved ones no longer here to share the season. Both experiences are equally valid and, most importantly, equally human.

The Social Media Illusion

The best advice I received when I was lamenting with a friend about other entrepreneurs whose businesses seemed to be booming – even overflowing – is this simple truth.

Social media isn’t real.

We’re constantly bombarded with images of perfect family gatherings, exciting new recipes elaborate decorations, and carefully curated moments of “joy.” Behind many of these picture-perfect posts? People just like you and me, dealing with their own complexities. That’s real life.

QUICK HITS

 😔 The Holiday Blues: Feeling Sad Amid the Festivities

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🎭 The Holiday Season: A Mixed Bag of Emotions

You’re not alone! Learn more →

🧘‍♀️ 10 Tips to Reduce Stress and Take Care of Yourself During the Holidays

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💡 The Holiday Season is Full of Feelings

How to prepare →

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

This week, dive into these three practical strategies for navigating the holidays!

1. Daily Emotional Check-ins with yourself or your support network
   Consider these moments as your personal advent calendar; open each day to unwrap a moment of honest reflection. (And if that means you also grab a piece of chocolate, go for it!). What feelings emerge? What do they have to teach you? How can you bring yourself into this present moment and sit with it?
   

2. Journaling for Clarity
   Let your journal become your confidant this season, a place where tinsel and tears can coexist on the same page. Write about the moments that bring unexpected joy, the traditions that feel heavy, and the new paths you might want to forge.
   

3. Create an Emotional Sanctuary
   This might not be an actual space, but more of a practice. Feeling overwhelmed by holiday guests? Pop out for a cup of coffee and sip it slowly at the coffee shop without rushing home. Dreading the grocery store? Select your items on a pick-up list and order through the app. Some days, you won’t need it. But if you have a plan and a few strategies that you know work for you, chances are that you’ll be able to gather yourself, recover, and reconnect with the tasks at hand.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

The true magic of the season isn't in forced merriment (what would that even be?) or perfect celebrations.

It's in the authentic moments – whether they're filled with laughter or quiet reflection. By giving yourself permission to experience the holidays genuinely, you create space for real connection, meaningful traditions, and moments of genuine joy to emerge.

Start Over Kitty & The Permission to Start Over Team

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