Unlike Hollywood movies, which often portray happy families coming together to celebrate and unwrap gifts under the tree, for some of us December can be anything but merry.
If you’re dealing with the death of a loved one, are under financial pressures, battling illness, or are in the midst of estrangement, divorce or a relationship conflict, it probably feels like everyone is in the holiday spirit bar you. And with Christmas carols playing on the radio and the supermarket shelves lined with festive treats, it’s hard not to feel like a failure for appearing less than joyous.
“The holidays come with a lot of expectations around happiness and togetherness, which can make it really tough if you’re feeling the opposite,” explains Rachel Clements, Director of Psychological Services at the Centre for Corporate Health and member of
