Ah, Christmas: if the movies are anything to go by, it 'tis the season of Christmas miracles, a light dusting of snow, and maybe even a ghost from your past sent to deter you from your evil ways. However, for many of us, the silly season can be anything but magical – you're more likely to burn the chicken, wrangle screaming children, and go in to overdraft than have a surprise midnight encounter with Santa.

For lots of kiwis, Christmas is the most stressful time of the year, with increased financial pressure, end-of-year workplace deadlines, and a full social calendar adding to holiday stress and anxiety. These pressures may be even harder to deal with for those already experiencing low mood and anxiety.

1. Think positive

In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), thinking positively is a powerful technique we call 'reframing.'

One of the basic ideas of CBT is that your thoughts influence your feelings, which then influence your actions.

2. Let go of your own expectations

Often, we can hold an ideal in our minds of what Christmas day 'should' look like, and then feel disappointed when some things inevitably go sideways. Murphy's Law states that 'if anything can go wrong, it will.' This may sound negative on face value, but knowing that you can't control the outcome of every situation is actually incredibly freeing!

Things will happen how they happen, and the best thing you can do is ride the waves, and accept everything this season brings – the good, and the not-so-good.

3. Spend time, not money

Research shows that just over 60% of kiwis feel stressed about the extra costs of Christmas. Your loved ones may forget what you got them for Christmas, but they'll never forget the holiday memories you've made together.

4. Remember (your) reason for the season

The Kirihimete season is significant to many different people, for many different reasons. Try to hold on to your own reason for the season!

5. Reach out for support

We know that things can become overwhelming, financially stressful, and isolating – especially during the holidays. There's support for you out there, and your hard times don't last forever.

So, from all of the team at Just a Thought – Meri Kirihimete, ngā mihi o te tau hou!