Feeling overwhelmed this Christmas? You’re not alone. While we celebrate Jesus’ birth, life’s burdens can dim the season’s joy. In a 2023 American Psychological Association survey, 89% reported holiday stress. Emotions can swing from gratitude, love and joy to overload, sadness, frustration and loneliness — leaving us drained.

Notice your warning signs and name them. It’s okay not to be okay. Identify past triggers or recent events and create a simple soul–care plan.

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Manage expectations: Set realistic goals and let go of perfectionism.
• Strategize in advance for family tensions: Work on finding forgiveness, while still setting healthy boundaries and balancing expectations with needs.
• Don’t go it alone: Share the load. Reach out for social support to avoid loneliness. Honestly expressing your feelings to others will likely cause them to respond in kind. Your church family, friends and loved ones want to come alongside and support you.

Our partners at Evernorth Confide offer practical tools and personalized support when times are challenging. Behavioral Health Navigators can help with grief, overwhelmingness and other stressors, and they’re available 24/7 for care and guidance. Choose from a pre–filtered list of Christian or faith–based counselors and receive eight free sessions.

• Online: Evernorth.com/ConcordiaPlans
• Phone: 866-726-5267
• Use employee ID: CONCORDIA or PASTOR

In addition, here are some resources that may be helpful as you prepare to embrace the joy and wonder the Christmas season is intended to bring.