Navigating the Holidays
8 Quick Strategies from Professional Counselors
The holiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year”—but it can also be overwhelming, stressful, or lonely. Our licensed counselors share eight practical strategies to help you experience more peace, connection, and joy this holiday season.
1. Finding Peace in Chaos
by Connie Horosz, MA, LCPC – Care and Counseling Director
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
Life can feel out of control during the holidays, but God reminds us He is our strength and refuge.
Simple practices of stillness:
Pause for 30 seconds to notice the sky or the air.
Take a deep breath to rest your spirit.
Pray for rest and strength.
Shift thoughts from what you have to do toward the privilege of what you get to do.
Being still can change how you experience circumstances and people around you.
2. Caring for Others During the Holidays
by Sarah Donley, MA, LCPC, RPT – Assistant Counseling Director
Not everyone experiences joy during the season—holidays can stir up grief, trauma, or disappointment.
Ways to care for hurting people:
Be specific – Offer concrete help (“I’m at the store—can I drop something off?”).
Change perspective – Think about what they would find helpful, not what you would.
Validate feelings – Say “This seems hard for you,” instead of dismissing with platitudes.
3. Prioritize Your Peace with Self-Care
by Danielle Laughrey, MA, LPC
Jesus taught us to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves (Mark 12:30–31). Self-care is not selfish—it restores our ability to love others well.
Ideas for self-care this season:
Write daily affirmations.
Spend time in nature.
Talk to a friend.
Unplug for an hour.
Take a bubble bath.
Practice gratitude.
Rest well and set healthy boundaries.
“He restores my soul.” – Psalm 23:3
4. When Traditions Become Disappointments
by Steve McKee, MA
Traditions often come with expectations—and when unmet, they can cause frustration.
Healthy reframing steps:
Notice negative thoughts.
Challenge black-and-white thinking.
Focus on gratitude and what’s going right.
Love doesn’t insist on its own way (1 Corinthians 13:5). Choosing gratitude and grace makes peace possible.
5. Establish Traditions for Connection
by Rebecca Randall, MA, LPC
Traditions provide consistency, connection, and grounding during a chaotic season.
Family connection ideas:
Bake and decorate cookies together.
Spend a night in matching PJs watching Christmas movies.
Host a New Year’s Eve game night.
Serve at Christmas Eve service.
Drive around looking at Christmas lights.
Traditions don’t need to be complicated—choose what brings joy and life.
6. Effective Communication Using the Golden Rule
by Portia King, MA, LPC
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” – Matthew 7:12
Assertive communication can reduce stress and preserve relationships.
Examples of loving but clear communication:
“Thank you for the invitation. I can join from 2–4 pm.”
“I’d prefer not to discuss ______. Can we focus on celebrating together?”
“I’m glad to host, but I’d appreciate help with a dish.”
7. Setting Boundaries
by Christine Walsh, MA, LPC
Healthy boundaries protect your peace and model good practices for children.
Steps to setting boundaries:
Pray – Ask God for wisdom and clarity.
Protect – Remove yourself or children from unhealthy situations when needed.
Plan – Decide how to respond to challenging family members.
Model – Show your children how to set boundaries with love and respect.
Boundaries help you experience more peace and joy.
8. Make Time to Create Family Connections
by Sarah Donley, MA, LCPC, RPT
Memories come not from tasks, but from presence.
Ways to connect:
Make eye contact, listen well, and ask deeper questions.
Play games or cook together.
Embrace traditions like light tours or special recipes.
Share faith through Advent, service projects, or Scripture readings.
Conversation starters for family time:
“What’s a small, everyday thing that makes you happy?”
“What’s the best movie of the year so far?”
“If you could time travel to any era, when would it be?”
“What family motto would you suggest for us?”
Final Encouragement
The holidays can be both joyful and challenging. Remember: you don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it alone. With intentional practices of stillness, self-care, communication, and connection, this season can be one of peace and meaning.