The Real Grinch Who Stole Christmas: The Holiday Stress We Don’t Often Talk About

Keyla Carreras
21 hours ago
3 min read

The holidays are for joy, celebration, and spending time together, but for many of us, there’s a sneaky thief lurking around this time of year (hint: it’s not the Grinch!). The real Grinch who tries to steal Christmas every year is usually holiday stress. The financial pressure, the packed schedules, the family expectations, and that’s just the start of it.

This ‘Grinch’ isn’t as obvious as the infamous green fuzzy monster. This one creeps up on us in the form of comparison, overspending, and fear of disappointing people we love. Before we know it, holiday stress makes the season of peace feel more like a season of unrelenting pressure.

If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone! Many of my clients share that this season brings a mix of excitement…and dread. But I have good news for you: it doesn’t have to be this way!

One helpful framework this season is the concept of The Five Love Languages — the ways we naturally give and receive love. When we understand how our loved ones feel loved, we can create meaningful holiday moments that don’t rely on breaking the bank but instead on intention. This approach can also help reduce holiday stress by shifting the focus from perfection to connection.

Check out these low-cost ideas for each love language to help you out this year:

Words of Affirmation: People with this love language love to hear encouraging and appreciative words.

Gift Ideas:

1. Write them a letter or card with a list of things you love and appreciate about them.

2. Make them a video telling them how they have impacted your life this year (this could be a real tear-jerker!)

Remember: your words hold so much value. These words could easily become a keepsake.

Quality Time: This one is all about undivided attention!

Gift Ideas:

1. Plan a holiday movie night with them and pick all their favorite snacks!

2. Set up a nice coffee or tea date!

3. Go see some holiday lights together and turn off your phone during it!

Remember: your presence is irreplaceable.

Acts of Service: Love through your actions.

Gift Ideas:

1. Cook them their favorite meal.

2. Join them to run errands or help them with a responsibility.

3. Make them a coupon book of little services they can redeem throughout the year.

Remember: when you meet their need, you’re letting them know you see them—this is priceless.

Gifts: Think thoughtfulness here, not material.

Gift Ideas:

1. Bring them a homemade treat.

2. Print and frame your favorite photo with them.

3. Give them a little self-care box with inexpensive but useful items (socks, snacks, a nice book).

Remember: It doesn’t have to cost a lot to mean a lot.

Physical Touch: What better way to show closeness?

Gift Ideas:

1. A meaningful hug!

2. A cozy night in with physical closeness.

Remember: your closeness feels like safety to the ones you love.

Reframe the Way You View Holiday Stress This Year

When we forget about performing and just focus on being present, the holidays feel a little different. Because let’s be honest, most people won’t remember what we may have gifted them on any given holiday season—let alone how much it cost—but they will remember how we made them feel.