While a popular song describes the festive season as 鈥渢he most wonderful time of the year,鈥� there are also extra stresses and pressures associated with the celebrations.

Vince Galea, coordinator of the Thrive Learning Centre at the Canadian Mental Health Association South Okanagan Similkameen said factors including loneliness, grief and loss, emotions, financial stresses and other pressures can affect people during this time of the year.

鈥淭hroughout the year, people are struggling in one way or another,鈥� Galea said, adding that the pressures are increased during the festive season.

Loneliness is not necessarily associated only with those who have recently lost a loved one, and some people will feel lonely even when they are surrounded by others. 

He encourages people to take care of themselves and to have support during the holiday season.

鈥淪elf-care is hugely important,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 something we should make a priority.鈥�

He added that having a support network also helps with coping during the holiday season. 

鈥淲ithout that support network, resilience is a lot less,鈥� he said.

Galea also says it is important to manage expectations during the festive season.

鈥淚t鈥檚 okay to cancel the holidays,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he simple things can be far more special.鈥�

To help with the holiday pressures, Galea is offering an online session via Zoom called Handling the Holidays.

The session will be held on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. To register, visit .

Information on the Canadian Mental Health Association and its services and support programs can be found at .