![Family Gatherings Family Gatherings](https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/holiday_depression_slideshow/webmd_rm_composite_photo_of_stressful_holiday_meal.jpg?resize=652px:*&output-quality=75)
Family Gatherings
1/10
A serving of drama with your holiday turkey? If your family fights, or going home triggers bad memories, you can cope.
- Don’t expect the worst. Focus on catching up with a cousin or enjoying your favorite dish.
- Make a plan. Have a trusted relative ready to spring you from bad conversations.
- Set a time limit. Stop by for just 15 minutes. Or if you can’t bear to go, just RSVP “no.”
![Over-Commercialization Over-Commercialization](https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/holiday_depression_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_department_store_santa.jpg?resize=652px:*&output-quality=100)
Over-Commercialization
2/10
When plastic reindeer and pressure to outdo last year’s gifts are just plain depressing, here are some ways to put the focus back on whatever’s meaningful to you:
Spend quality time with loved ones. Draw from your beliefs. Stick to simple traditions. Make a donation to charity instead of giving gifts.
![Over-Committing Over-Committing](https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/holiday_depression_slideshow/webmd_rf_composite_photo_of_holiday_overcommitment.jpg?resize=652px:*&output-quality=100)
Over-Committing
3/10
How to cope: Behold the power of “No.” Sounds silly, but practice saying it — out loud, in front of a mirror. Feel free to drop “no” to any holiday invitation. You don’t have to give a reason. Making a commitment to yourself to stay well-rested is healthy.
If there’s an obligation you feel you must honor but you’re still feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. Be specific. For example, “Can you bring the salad?”
![Financial Worries Financial Worries](https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/holiday_depression_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_holiday_presents.jpg?resize=652px:*&output-quality=100)
Financial Worries
4/10
You don’t have to spend a lot — or even anything — to show you care.
Try: Buying books, personalizing by topic. Writing a thoughtful note or making gifts. Or scheduling a coffee or dinner with friends to enjoy one another’s company.
When shopping, create a budget early and stick to it. Scope out gifts online to avoid impulse buys in the mall frenzy.
![Unrealistic Expectations Unrealistic Expectations](https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/holiday_depression_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_retro_holiday_family_portrait.jpg?resize=652px:*&output-quality=100)
Unrealistic Expectations
5/10
Life is hectic year-round. Add the pressure to produce a perfect holiday while also being merry and it’s easy to be left feeling bogged down, not festive.
Coping tip: Ditch perfectionism. No time to bake cookies for your son’s classmates? Store-bought cookies are just fine. Forgot the wreath? It’s OK. Your family will forgive you.
![Fatigue Fatigue](https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/holiday_depression_slideshow/jiu_rf_photo_of_fatigued_holiday_shopper.jpg?resize=652px:*&output-quality=100)
Fatigue
6/10
Staying up late wrapping presents, devoting days to make tins of chocolate treats for neighbors, or hustling through the mall can be exhausting and take its toll.
Coping tip: Take a breather. Remember, you can’t enjoy the holidays if you’re wading through them in a zombie-like fog. Make time to rest and revitalize. Plan nights in with no commitments and head to bed early.
![Stress Stress](https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/holiday_depression_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_airport_delay.jpg?resize=652px:*&output-quality=100)
Stress
7/10
Relatives. Shopping. Travel. Party planning. Finding childcare. Holidays can add to stress or sadness you feel during the regular year.
To survive: Plan daily “me time.” Just set aside 15 minutes to go walking or do something else you enjoy.
If you see a therapist, make arrangements to go more often if you feel you’ll need it. Or ask if you can do phone check-ins in case of crisis.
![Breaking Healthy Habits Breaking Healthy Habits](https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/holiday_depression_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_pecan_pie_slice.jpg?resize=652px:*&output-quality=100)
Breaking Healthy Habits
8/10
So you had an extra cup of eggnog. It’s OK. Don’t let a one-time holiday overindulgence derail the healthy habits you work on all year — like eating well, getting enough rest, and taking medications regularly.
Tips to get on track: Start fresh tomorrow. Try fresh veggies or fruit as a pre-party snack to curb buffet regrets. Avoid alcohol or know your limit. Keep a set exercise and eating routine.
![Being Away from Family and Friends Being Away from Family and Friends](https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/holiday_depression_slideshow/jiu_rf_photo_of_man_eating_tv_turkey_dinner.jpg?resize=652px:*&output-quality=100)
Being Away from Family and Friends
9/10
If you can’t make it home this holiday or your friends have other plans, try:
- Branching out. Celebrate with folks who will be in town and start a new tradition.
- Looking ahead. Plan a visit in the New Year. Focusing on a future visit can take your mind off the present.
- Volunteering. It places you around people and the emphasis on giving. Studies show helping others can help improve your mood and well-being.
![Shorter Days, Lack of Sunlight Shorter Days, Lack of Sunlight](https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/holiday_depression_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_winter_commuter.jpg?resize=652px:*&output-quality=100)
Shorter Days, Lack of Sunlight
10/10
The darkness of winter really does affect some people’s moods. Sadness, anxiousness, loss of interest in activities, or sleeping more every winter can be a sign of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). An estimated 10% – 20% of people in the U.S. experience a mild form of winter onset SAD, and it seems to be more common in women.
Coping tip: If you have symptoms, see your doctor. Treatment is available.