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The “most wonderful time of the year” is, for many, among the most stressful. People are traveling, hosting parties, buying and sending gifts, planning — and communicating to people with whom their relationship may or may not be fraught.

It can also exacerbate pre-existing feelings of loneliness, loss or alienation. It can resurface trauma, strain relationships and compound the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for those who struggle with it, usually in the winter months.

But it’s OK if your holiday season doesn’t look picture perfect. It’s OK if it isn’t even particularly festive. It’s OK if you aren’t OK. Managing stress during the Christmas season is an important part of real connection and long-term emotional health.

Tip 1: Make and lovingly defend boundari

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