The other day I was shocked to learn something I honestly hadn’t been sufficiently informed about: the term “holiday blues.” It refers to a melancholic or sad mood that some people experience during the end-of-year holidays and the beginning of the new year. It’s not a clinical disorder, but rather a temporary emotional state that manifests as sadness, anxiety, irritability, lack of enjoyment in pleasurable activities, nostalgia, loss of interest, fatigue, apathy, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and social withdrawal.

Why does this “holiday blues” arise? There are several common reasons. Some won’t be able to gather with all their loved ones for Christmas or New Year’s. Others will be grieving the loss of those who recently passed away, especially in the preceding months. Many face financial stress as holiday bills, purchases, and credit card payments come due. There’s also the sadness of parting ways: families gather for the celebrations, and then, days later—on January 5, 6, or 10—it’s time to say goodbye. For some, it’s a “see you tomorrow”; for others, who travel far away and only see each other every four or five years, it can feel like a profound rupture.

Some people, as a result of accumulated losses, prefer to avoid gatherings: “I, who have lost so many people, prefer not to get together.” I know people who will spend Christmas alone at home. All of this is fueled by social expectations—fulfilled, unfulfilled, or only partially met—loneliness, nostalgia for times gone by (“Twenty years ago we all got together, but now many have grown up or died”), recent grief, and general stress.

What is advised in these situations? Therapists, especially from a Catholic perspective, recommend maintaining contact through social media, phones, and current technology. They also suggest engaging in activities while taking care of one’s health: Christmas is not a time for overindulging in food or drink, but rather a time to celebrate Jesus first and then gather with family, even if it’s just the immediate family (my wife, my children, and myself).

The key is to accept feelings as a natural part of life: we experience highs and lows, but always with optimism. Christmas invites us to celebrate God and family. New Year’s, on the other hand, speaks of changes, resolutions, and serious projects. We often joke about superficial resolutions (“quit smoking,” “drink less,” “watch less TV”) that we then fail to keep. But if we want to avoid that “white depression”—a lack of meaning in life, bad moods, and unfulfilled dreams—we need worthwhile projects.

Beware of pessimism: many people say that “2026 is going to be terrible.” For whom? According to whom? Serious difficulties may arise, but the key question is: what is my plan? It’s not just about giving up bad habits (cutting down on alcohol, overeating, or cigarettes), but about being a better person: a better husband, wife, parent, sibling. Spending more time with others, doing more for them. A family, spiritual, marital, and professional plan.

A person who understands life as an ongoing project has no time or space for depression, irritability, fatigue, or stress. Life is a project; there’s no time to be depressed.

So, what are we going to do this coming year? Let’s take a deep look at our consciences: ask forgiveness for our wrongdoings from whomever it may concern. Celebrate with God, fill ourselves with Him, and think: what am I going to do next year? Love more, commit myself more. Let’s do all the good we can.

May God always bless you and grant you a next year full of fruits, love, work and projects.

Thank you so much for reading this article. Let’s do all the good we can. May God always bless you.