For many, Christmas is a time of celebration, joy and tradition. But for others it brings up past traumas, challenging family dynamics or a sense of loneliness. Studies show that stress and anxiety often peak during the holiday season, as many people grapple with painful memories, unresolved family conflicts and a struggle to find meaningful connections. Understanding why Christmas can be so difficult can help us approach the season with empathy for ourselves and others.

For Steve*, Christmas was always the hardest time of the year. Growing up, the festive season amplified the tension in his “broken” family. His parents, who were already struggling with their own addiction and depression issues, seemed to clash more during the holidays. What should have been a time of joy became a minefield of arguments and unmet expectations for Steve and his three younger siblings.

As an adult, Steve found family gatherings difficult, too. Now divorced and with no children, he usually would prefer to spend Christmas alone. He revealed that the pressure to conform to society’s image of a “perfect Christmas” was challenging. Invitations to family gatherings dredged up unresolved trauma, and the relentless focus on togetherness made his loneliness even more pronounced. For Steve, the season became a painful reflection of these years.

In our first few therapy sessions, we began to unpack the source of his feelings of aloneness and despair which were exacerbated at Christmas time. He began to see that his early family experiences had deeply affected him. We........

© The Guardian