Everyone wants the holiday season to feel cozy, relaxing and joyful, but for many college students, it’s anything but. Between final exams, traveling home, complicated family dynamics, financial stress and social pressures, the holiday season can feel incredibly overwhelming.
If you find yourself counting down the days until winter break ends and yearning for your routine back, you are not alone. A 2023 survey from the American Psychological Association (APA) found that nearly 89% of U.S. adults experience holiday stress. For students juggling academic, social and financial pressures all at once, that stress can feel intense. The good news is, there are things you can do to make the holidays feel less stressful.
Financial pressure is one of the biggest holiday stressors, especially for students. Travel costs, contributing to family meals, gift-giving and time off from work can add up quickly. Set a realistic budget, be honest with yourself about what you can afford. Thoughtful gifts don’t have to be expensive.
Feelings of grief and loneliness can feel heavier during the holidays, whether that is missing a loved one, feeling disconnected from friends or nostalgia for “simpler” times. Traditions can often highlight what, and who, is missing. Give yourself permission to acknowledge feelings of grief. Ground yourself in things that feel good – going for a walk, lighting a candle, journaling, etc. Prioritize things that calm you.
For many students, navigating complicated family dynamics is a dreaded part of returning home for the holidays. Anticipating political debates, invasive personal questions, or tense conversations can amplify stress. Set boundaries for yourself and your family. It’s okay to change the subject or step away from a conversation. Between holiday traditions, expectations from others and social media, social pressure to make the season “perfect” can be difficult to manage, especially when
you are run-down from the semester. Let go of perfection. Unrealistic expectations are a major source of holiday stress. Focus on things that are manageable and meaningful to you, not what looks good online.
Loss of routine from traveling, late nights, irregular meals and busy schedules is common. Stick to the basics whenever you can. Getting enough sleep, eating regularly, giving yourself alone time and limiting substances or social media can significantly reduce stress. It is okay to not have a full routine, but it is important to have things that anchor you.
Reach out for help if the holiday stress gets to be too much. You don’t have to handle it alone. Talk to friends, family members or someone you trust to ease the emotional weight of the season. If feelings of sadness, stress or anxiety persist or become overwhelming, reach out to a mental health professional for support.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Taking care of yourself financially, emotionally and mentally is more than enough.