The holiday season is often imagined as a time of connection and celebration, yet for many Americans, it can feel like the most stressful time of the year. New findings from APA Healthy Minds Poll report 41 percent of adults expect to experience higher stress this year than last—especially younger adults—driven by financial strain, family dynamics, and the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations.
Rather than bracing ourselves for burnout, we can approach the holidays with greater intention and care. From setting healthy boundaries at family gatherings to mindful budgeting and prioritizing emotional wellbeing, Manhattan Mental Health Counseling (MMHC) offers practical guidance to help you feel more grounded, supported, and at ease.
Holiday Stress Stats
- 41 percent of U.S. adults anticipate more holiday-related stress this year than last, up from 28 percent in 2024.
- Younger adults are most affected, with 49 percent of 18–34-year-olds expecting increased stress, compared with 27 percent of those aged 65+.
- On the plus side, 44 percent of adults say the holidays have a positive impact on their mental health, while only 21 percent report a negative impact.
- Seeing family and friends (61 percent), enjoying holiday food (53 percent), and giving/receiving gifts (31 percent) remain key highlights.
- Nearly half worry about missing someone or grief (48 percent) or affording gifts (46 percent). About one in three is concerned about family conflicts (32 percent) or loneliness (31 percent).
Possible Triggers to Watch Out For
- Financial pressures: Spending expectations, gift-giving, and travel costs can activate stress responses and contribute to anxiety. Financial strain is a well-documented risk factor for mood disturbances.
- Family dynamics: Conflicts or unresolved tension with relatives can trigger heightened emotional reactivity and exacerbate feelings of stress or depression.
- Social comparison: Exposure to idealized images of holidays on social media or in advertising can increase feelings of inadequacy or disappointment.
- Time pressure and overcommitment: Juggling work, social obligations, and holiday preparations can lead to cognitive overload, fatigue, and reduced coping capacity.
- Loss and grief: The holidays can magnify feelings of missing loved ones or past losses, which are strongly linked to depressive symptoms during this period.
- Loneliness: Social isolation or lack of supportive connections can amplify stress and anxiety, especially in individuals already vulnerable to mood disorders.
“The holiday season can be joyful, but for many it also brings increased stress,” says Steven Buchwald, a licensed therapist at Manhattan Mental Health Counseling. “Our team at Manhattan Mental Health Counseling sees firsthand how financial pressures, family tensions, and the weight of expectations can affect people’s mental wellbeing. The APA Healthy Minds Poll shows that 41 percent of adults expect more stress this year than last, with younger adults feeling it most acutely. It’s a reminder that the holidays are not equally ‘jolly’ for everyone.”
According to Buchwald, there are effective strategies people can use to cope with the stress of the season, including setting boundaries and recognizing triggers. Here, he shares some tips to create a less stressful holiday season.
- Limit time in high-stress family gatherings and communicate your needs clearly to reduce conflict and emotional strain.
- Plan spending in advance to ease financial pressure and avoid last-minute stress.
- Make time for rest, exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies that restore your energy and help maintain balance.
- Let go of perfectionism and focus on what truly matters during the holidays rather than trying to meet every expectation.
- Reach out to friends, family, or support networks to counter feelings of loneliness and maintain social connections.
- Teletherapy or counseling can provide personalized support to help process stressors and build coping skills tailored to your situation.
Says Buchwald, “By acknowledging the mental health challenges of the season and taking proactive steps, individuals can experience a holiday that is not just manageable, but meaningful.”
