The holiday season can be tough for many students. Whether you celebrate Christmas, another holiday, or none at all, this time of year often stirs up mixed emotions. Social media, ads, and festive hype might give the impression that everyone is enjoying the “perfect holiday.” But for many, the reality is far from that.
Why the Holidays Can Be Hard
The end of the year can feel overwhelming. Academic deadlines, exams, or personal challenges may leave you stretched thin, and the added pressures of the holiday season might feel like too much. Social expectations, gift-giving stress, and traditional celebrations can feel draining—especially if you’re not in the mood to celebrate.
For those away from home or unable to join loved ones, seeing others enjoy what you can’t right now can be especially difficult. And if you're grieving the loss of a loved one, it can make these weeks feel even lonelier and intensify the sadness you’re already feeling.
It’s okay not to feel okay. The holidays don’t have to mean the same thing to everyone, and it’s normal to have a wide range of emotions. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Below are some ways to prioritise your mental health and support yourself through this time.
Tips for Looking After Yourself
Acknowledge your feelings
It’s okay if you’re not feeling festive. Everyone experiences the holidays differently. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up—whether that’s joy, stress, or sadness. It’s normal, and your emotions are valid.
Set boundaries
If social events or other traditions aren’t your thing, it’s okay to say no. You don’t need to explain yourself—just a simple, “Thanks for inviting me, but I need some downtime” is enough. Instead, try to prioritise activities that genuinely make you feel good. This is your break too, so plan ahead and carve out time for things that recharge you—whether that’s catching up on sleep, making your favourite meal, or just taking time to relax on your own.
Take care of your body
It can be easy to lose track of routines during the holidays, but even small efforts like going for a walk or getting some fresh air can help boost your mood. Don’t feel like you have to be perfect—just do what you can to keep yourself feeling good.
Limit social media
Scrolling through endless “perfect holiday” posts can leave you feeling like you’re missing out. Consider muting notifications, unfollowing accounts that make you feel bad, or setting a daily time limit on social apps. Protecting your mental space is more important than staying updated.
Manage Financial Stress
If money is tight, remember that meaningful holidays don’t have to come with a big price tag. Simple gestures like sending a card, sharing a thoughtful message, or spending time with friends can be just as special. Setting a budget for gifts and suggesting alternatives, like a 'Secret Santa' exchange, homemade gifts, or fun activities instead of presents, can help ease financial pressure while keeping the holidays enjoyable.Prepare a mental health toolkit
Keep a list of support resources, helplines, or calming activities you can turn to when overwhelmed. Having these ready means you’ll know exactly where to go for help when you need it most.
Reach out for support
If you're struggling, consider sharing how you're feeling with friends, family, or online support communities like TalkCampus. Sometimes, just connecting with someone who understands can help take some of the pressure off.
Why Peer Support Matters
If you’re finding it hard to open up or feeling lonely over the holidays, getting peer support on the TalkCampus platform can be a really helpful way to feel understood and connected. Talking to others who “get it” can make a huge difference:
Talk openly about how you’re really feeling without fear of judgment. “It’s so helpful to have a space where I can express myself freely and connect with others who understand what I’m going through.”
Connect with others who feel the same. Knowing someone else has been there too can remind you that you’re not alone. “It’s good knowing others are fighting a similar battle.”
Feel part of something. Even if you’re physically on your own, joining a supportive community can give you a sense of belonging. “When you’re happy, others are happy for you. And when others are happy, I’m happy for them.”
Be there for someone else. Supporting others can bring a sense of purpose, especially at this time of year. “There will always be someone who wants to help,”
Peer support is about finding people who understand where you’re coming from, sharing what’s on your mind, and realising that even in difficult moments, you’re not alone.
How to Support Others
The holidays can be challenging for many people. If you have a friend who seems down, here’s how you can help:
Understand different perspectives
Everyone experiences the holidays differently. While you might feel excited, someone else might feel anxious or overwhelmed. Simply acknowledging their feelings without judgment can be powerful.
Listen with empathy
If a friend opens up, resist the urge to “fix” their mood or offer clichés like “Cheer up, it’s Christmas!” Instead, focus on listening. A simple, “I’m here for you, and it’s okay to feel this way,” can mean more than you realise.
Offer to spend time together
If someone might be feeling lonely, invite them to do something low-pressure and enjoyable. For example: “I’m planning to watch a movie this weekend—want to join me? No worries if you’re busy!” It doesn’t have to be holiday-themed; just spending time together can help them feel less alone.
Respect their boundaries
If someone isn’t in the mood to socialise, don’t pressure them. Let them know they’re welcome but don’t take it personally if they decline. It’s not about you—it’s about what they can handle right now.
Be inclusiveThe holiday season can feel isolating for those who don’t celebrate certain traditions or who come from diverse cultural or religious backgrounds. When planning events or discussions, take a moment to consider how they might feel to someone with different experiences. Small, thoughtful gestures—like acknowledging a variety of holidays, asking about their traditions, creating neutral themes, or simply asking others what they’d enjoy—can help everyone feel seen and included.
Remember to take care of yourself too
Supporting others can be draining, especially if you’re also feeling low. Make sure you set aside time for your own self-care. Even if you’re helping a friend, it’s okay to step back when you need to recharge. Whether that’s doing something you love, talking to someone you trust, or just giving yourself permission to rest, looking after your own mental wellbeing is just as important.
You’re Not Alone
The holidays are different for everyone, and it’s okay if this time of year feels tough. If you’re struggling, focus on what matters most: your well-being. Reach out to friends, family, or platforms like TalkCampus to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
Prioritising your mental health isn’t selfish—it’s essential. This season, let your focus be on what you need to feel supported and cared for.