Festive or Frazzled
The Christmas season means something a little different to each of us. For some, it’s a time of warmth, connection and celebration — lights glowing, families gathering, and moments of joy that break up the darkness of winter. For others, the season can feel more complicated: expectations, memories, pressures and emotions that don’t always match what we see around us. For most of us, it’s somewhere in between: enjoying some of the moments, anxious about getting it right for others, comparing our experience to those adverts and eating too much.
At Oaktree Psychology Referrals, we understand that there isn’t a “right” way to feel at this time of year. You might be soaking up the festive spirit and enjoying everything the season brings. Or you might be finding things tougher — stretched thin, overwhelmed, or feeling the absence of people or situations that matter deeply.
However you feel about this season, or if you’re someone who doesn’t “celebrate”, I’d like you to think about what I sometimes call deposits in your mental health piggy bank: they can be tiny or really important but noticing moments that have meaning and value to us help our minds to identify and build on the values that are important to us and that is one of the fundamental aspects of maintaining our psychological well-being. If you haven’t checked in with your values recently, here’s my blog to help: https://oaktreepsychology.com/bullseye-one-way-to-look-at-your-own-psychological-wellbeing
Because everyone’s experience is unique, we’ve created two paths for you to explore:
Are you feeling
Are you feeling
OR
Festive
If you’re feeling joyful, connected, energised or simply ready to lean into the magic of the season, this path celebrates the positive moments that help us feel grounded, grateful and uplifted.
Frazzled
If you’re finding the season difficult — emotionally, financially, socially, or simply because everything feels “too much” — this path offers validation, understanding and gentle guidance for navigating a challenging time.