Hi everyone! My name is Diana Garcia and I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and founder of a private practice called Nurturing Minds Counseling.

I’ve been sharing 12 tips for the holiday season—tips that are beneficial whether you celebrate or not! Today, we’re on tip number 10. I encourage you to check out tips 1-9 below, which are available in both blog and video formats:

  1. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 1: Three-minute breathing exercise.
  2. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 2: Listing your triggers
  3. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 3: Noting your specific thoughts.
  4. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 4: Identify and label your emotions.
  5. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 5: Allowing and validating your emotional experience
  6. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 6: Opposite Action
  7. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 7: Prioritizing Self-Care
  8. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 8: Managing Personal Expectations
  9. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 9: Letting Go of Comparison

Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 10: Acceptance

Today’s tip may feel similar to a previous one, but it addresses a crucial aspect: acceptance and willingness. When I mention the word “acceptance” to clients, many interpret it as a form of resignation or giving up. However, that’s not the essence of what I’m talking about.

Acceptance, especially in the context of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), is about acknowledging the reality of our circumstances without judgment. Scroll down to keep reading the blog of watch the video below if you prefer that format.

Watch Video: “Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 10”

Read Blog: Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 10″

Acceptance is when there are things that are outside of our control and there is literally nothing we can do to change it. Instead of fighting against these circumstances, we must allow ourselves to acknowledge them for what they are. It’s a powerful shift from resistance to recognition.

This holiday season, acceptance can be particularly vital as many people face grief—whether from losing a loved one or from unmet expectations of how the holidays should look.

Many people face various forms of grief during this time—whether due to the loss of a loved one or the realization that this year’s holidays do not match their expectations. This sense of ambivalence can be challenging. ACT teaches us that avoiding painful feelings often leads to greater suffering. Embracing acceptance allows us to acknowledge our feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them.

When we resist our emotions, we may inadvertently amplify them. For instance, trying to push away feelings of sadness or loss can lead to increased anxiety and stress. Instead, acceptance invites us to sit with our emotions, allowing them to flow naturally. This doesn’t mean we condone the pain; rather, we validate our experiences, recognizing that it’s okay to feel hurt, lost, or confused.

I encourage you to reflect on the aspects of your life that are outside your control this holiday season. Here are some ACT-based questions to guide your reflection:

  • What feelings am I experiencing that I’ve been trying to avoid?
  • How would my life change if I allowed myself to feel these emotions fully?
  • What would it look like to accept my current situation without judgment?
  • How can I practice self-compassion as I navigate these feelings?

While acceptance is a powerful tool, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide additional strength. Sharing your experiences can help lighten the emotional load, reminding you that you’re not alone in this journey. I hope this insight into acceptance has been helpful for you.

Check out these other resources to take care of yourself during the holiday season: