December is a strange month.
On one hand: joy, cheer, lights, peppermint-flavored everything.
On the other: grief, financial pressure, family tension, loneliness, anxiety, and the lingering ache of whatever (or whoever) should be here but isn’t
It’s a season of emotional contradictions — and our nervous systems feel every bit of it.
You see it play out everywhere, including on the road.
If you’ve ever wondered why people drive so badly during the holidays, here’s the truth: most people are stressed, dysregulated, overstimulated, under-rested, emotionally flooded… and then they get behind the wheel. Add alcohol-heavy gatherings, packed parking lots, crowded malls, and end-of-year burnout, and driving becomes a perfect microcosm of the season itself: chaotic, unpredictable, and more than a little dangerous.
The Emotional Tornado of December
The holidays ask us to be joyful — even when we’re not.
Bells are ringing, commercials are shouting, and everyone seems to have an opinion on how you should feel.
Meanwhile…
- People are grieving the loss of a parent, partner, friend, pet, or marriage.
- Families are navigating complicated dynamics that don’t magically resolve because it’s December. Family gatherings become complicated by family dynamics.
- Many are feeling triggered by trauma, anxiety, or financial strain while being bombarded with messages to “give more,” “do more,” and “be merry.”
For someone with an open emotional wound, the holidays can feel like walking through a hall of mirrors — every reflection reminding them of what’s missing.
Then throw in the “merriment” that comes in a glass. Holiday parties and alcohol go hand-in-hand, and research shows that drinking (even casually) increases impulsivity and reduces reaction time. Additionally, alcohol is a depressant and tends to bring out complicated emotions.
So yes — there are more car accidents this time of year. And yes — the driving gets worse.
It’s not your imagination. It really is an emotional tornado… all set to Jingle Bells and Joy to the World.
If You Feel Exhausted, It Makes Sense
Emotional exhaustion during the holidays is not a personal failure.
It’s biology. It’s psychology. It’s being human.
This season asks a lot of our nervous systems. A lot.
But here’s the upside:
When our wounds feel raw, we’re often given an opportunity to pay attention to them. To tend to them. To finally acknowledge what we’ve been holding.
Therapy can help you make sense of the mixed emotions and move through the holidays with more support and less overwhelm. But even if you don’t schedule therapy, remember this:
Your experience is valid.
Grief and trauma are often triggered this time of year.
Some people hide it better than others — sometimes the biggest smiles hide the deepest wounds.
You are not alone in this. That a$$hole who just cut you off is feeling it too.
Tips for Getting Through the Holidays With a Little More Ease
Here are a few small shifts that can make a meaningful difference:
1. Slow down.
Your nervous system cannot heal at the speed of December. Take intentional pauses.
2. Re-evaluate your to-do list.
You don’t have to do everything. Some traditions can be skipped. Some expectations can be lowered. Give yourself permission to choose what actually matters. Simple and stress-free allows space for more joy.
3. Make space for self-care — non-negotiable.
Deep breaths, quiet moments, fresh air, a hot shower, a short walk, a few minutes alone. These aren’t luxuries. They’re survival tools. And don’t forget the basics which directly impact your brain chemistry: healthy foods and water, sleep, exercise.
4. Reach out to someone you trust.
Connection doesn’t fix everything, but it softens almost everything.
5. Look for small gratitudes.
Not the big performative ones — the tiny ones you actually feel. A warm cup of coffee. A moment of laughter. A beautiful sunset. These micro-gratitudes help recalibrate your brain and body.
If December feels heavy or confusing, you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re simply moving through a season that stirs up a lot, for a lot of people.
Be gentle with yourself.
And if you need support, we’re here.