The holiday season is often portrayed as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it’s a time of stress, anxiety, and pressure. A woman walks into the mall to start her Christmas shopping when suddenly, a wave of dread washes over her. Her hands sweat, her heart races, and she feels like she’s going to die. Or a man, tasked with giving a short speech at the office holiday party, is paralyzed by the thought of public humiliation. His body is tense, and he feels sick with anxiety.

Between family gatherings, the pressure to spend money, kids returning from college, work disruptions, and countless holiday events, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The stress often takes away from the joy of the season, leaving us feeling more frazzled than festive. So, when holiday anxiety takes hold, what can we do? Do we give in to stress-eating, overspend, drink to numb the discomfort, or avoid the parties altogether? Ideally, we do none of these things.

The Key to Overcoming Holiday Anxiety: Facing Your Fears

The truth is, when we face our fears instead of avoiding them, we can work through the discomfort and reclaim a sense of control. Anxiety often thrives in avoidance. The more we try to escape the feelings of tension or discomfort, the stronger they can become. But when we face anxiety head-on, we can begin to master it.

Take our woman at the mall, for example. Instead of succumbing to panic, she acknowledges the feeling of anxiety. She tells herself, “I am uncomfortable, but I won’t die. This anxiety will pass, just like a wave. I can handle it.” By staying present with the discomfort, she learns that her fear is temporary and manageable. The same goes for the man at the office party. Instead of spiraling into dread, he acknowledges his tension and reminds himself, “I can do this. I’ve faced tough situations before, and I can handle this speech.” Both of them realize that the best way to reduce anxiety is not by avoiding the situation, but by stepping into it and letting the anxiety dissipate over time.

How to Work Through Anxiety This Holiday Season

Here are a few tips to help you face anxiety during the holidays and find peace, even in the busiest moments:

1. Acknowledge the Anxiety
   The first step in overcoming anxiety is simply acknowledging it. Recognize when you’re feeling stressed, whether it’s in a crowded store, at a family gathering, or during a work event. Don’t try to push the anxiety away—accept it as part of the experience.
2. Don’t Avoid, Stay Present
   Avoidance may provide temporary relief, but it only reinforces the anxiety over time. Instead, stay present. If you feel anxious during a holiday event, stay in the moment and remind yourself that the feeling will pass. Like a wave, anxiety rises and falls—it doesn’t last forever.
3. Breathe and Pause
   When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Slow, controlled breathing helps activate the body’s relaxation response. Take a moment to pause and center yourself. This simple practice can ground you and help you feel more in control.
4. Challenge Negative Thoughts
   Anxiety often feeds on irrational thoughts and “what if” scenarios. For example, you might think, “What if I embarrass myself at the party?” or “What if I don’t get everything done in time?” Challenge these thoughts by reminding yourself that you have the ability to cope with whatever comes your way. Keep your thoughts realistic and focused on what’s within your control.
5. Trust in God’s Presence
   For those with faith, remember that you are not alone in your anxiety. God is an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Ask for His strength and courage to face your fears. Trust that He will guide you through the discomfort and bring you peace.
6. Take Small, Courageous Steps
   Whether it’s making it through a stressful shopping trip or delivering a work presentation, take small steps to face the anxiety. Each step you take builds confidence and helps you prove to yourself that you can handle these situations. Over time, you’ll find that you can face even more challenging moments with greater ease.

Finding Joy Amidst the Stress

The holiday season doesn’t have to be filled with dread and anxiety. By facing your fears and staying present, you can find a sense of peace even during the most stressful times. Remember that it’s okay to feel anxious—it’s a natural emotion, but it doesn’t have to control you. With practice and patience, you can learn to navigate the holiday season with greater calm and confidence.

So, this holiday season, when anxiety creeps in, don’t turn to distractions or avoidance. Face it. Ride the wave of discomfort, knowing that it will pass. And remember, you are not facing it alone. With courage, mindfulness, and faith, you can truly experience the peace and joy of the season, no matter what challenges come your way.