Have you talked about having a pursuit this holiday season?
For some, the pursuit might be to simply survive holiday stress.
For others, it may be to save money during the holidays, to set boundaries, or to make Christmas meaningful for your family.

Whatever your pursuit is this year, having a plan can bring clarity, reduce anxiety, and make space for joy. At The Pursuit Counseling, we want to offer a simple, realistic guide to help you shape your own Holiday Pursuit—a way to move through the season with purpose, mental wellness, and emotional health.

Be Clear About What You Will Do—and What You Won’t

Holiday overwhelm often comes from saying “yes” too much and too quickly.
Before your calendar fills up, pause and ask:

• What must I do?
• What do I want to do?
• What am I not doing this year?

Setting boundaries is one of the most powerful holiday mental health tools you have. It protects your emotional energy, reduces stress, and helps you stay grounded.

Being clear is not selfish. It’s healthy. It allows you to be present where it truly matters.

Be Generous—to Yourself and Others

Generosity is more than gift-giving. It’s a mindset that supports emotional resilience and better relationships.

Be generous with grace, patience, and flexibility.
Be generous with yourself as you navigate holiday expectations.

Generosity can look like:

• Offering a kind word to someone who looks stressed
• Letting yourself rest without guilt
• Choosing to assume the best in others

This holiday season, let generosity shape your emotional wellness and the way you connect with your community.

Be Purposeful in How You Make Decisions

The holidays bring dozens of decisions—financial, relational, and experiential.

Financial:
Set spending boundaries early to reduce financial stress. Decide your holiday budget before the season emotionally pulls you in.

Family:
Consider whose expectations influence your decisions. Are your choices rooted in tradition, guilt, or personal values?

Experiences:
Choose experiences that align with your pursuit—whether that’s creating memories, simplifying, reducing anxiety, or prioritizing rest.

Purposeful decision-making supports both mental clarity and emotional balance.

Be Gracious When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Something will go wrong. Someone will get sick, forget a plan, or double-book. Packages won’t arrive. Meals won’t turn out. That’s normal.

Grace reduces frustration and strengthens emotional well-being.
It softens disappointment and reminds us that unpredictability is part of being human.

Adopting a gracious mindset decreases holiday anxiety and builds stronger, healthier relationships.

Be Active: Move Your Body, Manage Your Stress

Physical activity is one of the best tools for holiday stress management.

Build movement into your season:

• Go for a hike
• Visit the gym
• Take a winter run
• Sign up for a Christmas 5K
• Try a creative activity like baking, crafting, or a culinary project

Movement helps regulate stress, boost mood, and improve mental health—especially when the holidays feel overwhelming.

Be Mindful of Alcohol and Substances

The holidays often include increased exposure to alcohol and recreational substances.

If you are in recovery:
Work with your counselor, therapist, or sponsor to create a proactive sobriety plan. Identify high-risk moments, triggers, and supportive people.

If you drink or use socially:
Make a plan before entering celebrations:

• How much will I drink?
• How will I pace myself?
• Who can help me stay accountable?

Mindful consumption reduces risk and supports healthier holiday habits.

Be Intentional About Nutrition

Holiday treats are part of the fun—and we love Christmas cookies too.
Intentional nutrition supports your energy, mental focus, and physical wellness.

Try:

• Eating regular meals to avoid stress-bingeing
• Staying hydrated
• Bringing a nourishing option to gatherings
• Enjoying sweets without guilt or shame

Balanced nutrition is a powerful support for holiday mental health.

Be Mindful of Stress: Small Things Add Up

Even positive experiences—parties, travel, events—can create cumulative stress.

Watch for signs of:

• Overcommitment
• Anxiety or irritability
• Fatigue
• Emotional triggers
• Sleep disruption

Simple grounding tools can help:

• Deep breathing
• A short walk
• Talking with a counselor
• Setting manageable expectations

Stress awareness is essential for staying emotionally grounded throughout the season.

Your Holiday Pursuit Starts with One Step

Your pursuit this holiday season doesn’t need to be perfect.
It doesn’t need to match anyone else’s.

It simply needs to be yours—clear, purposeful, compassionate, and aligned with your mental and emotional well-being.

As you move into the holidays, we hope this guide helps you shape a pursuit that brings peace, connection, and meaning.

And if you need support, perspective, or a space to process, The Pursuit Counseling is here to walk with you.