🎄 Joy vs. Stress: Navigating Holiday Expectations in Filipino Families

The Christmas season is often called “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for many Filipino families, it can also become the most stressful. Between reunions, gift-giving, travel, and financial pressures, the joy of the season can easily be replaced with anxiety and exhaustion.

As a mental health counselor and family therapist, I’ve often heard this phrase from clients:

“I love Christmas, but sometimes, I just want it to be over.”

Why does something meant to bring happiness and connection end up draining us instead? Let’s explore the psychology behind this holiday tension — and how we can bring back the true joy of the season.