The holiday season is often a time of joy, celebration, and connection—but for many, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and a sense of overwhelm. As film and motion picture workers, we know that the demands of our industry can make the holidays especially challenging.
Whether it’s navigating the financial strain caused by a downturn in production, managing the lack of consistent work, or simply balancing personal time with professional expectations, this time of year can feel even more intense.
But don’t worry—there are ways to navigate these challenges and protect your mental health during the holiday season. In fact, the Calltime Campaign has put together a Holiday Guide designed to help you manage stress, prioritize wellness, and embrace the holiday season with a sense of calm and positivity.
Here’s a quick preview of some key insights and strategies, advice from a leading mental health expert, as well as some helpful tips to get you started on managing holiday stress and maintaining your mental health this season.
Acknowledging the Challenges
Before we dive into the positive strategies, it’s important to acknowledge the reality many of us are facing. The film industry has been hit hard by a downturn in production, and this is a time when many workers are struggling with irregular work schedules or a complete lack of work altogether. As we mentioned in previous posts, the uncertainty surrounding employment, combined with the financial strain of not knowing when the next paycheck will come, can feel overwhelming.
Check out our recent post “How to Survive a Sector Downturn: Navigating Job & Financial Distress” HERE.
For many, the holidays only amplify this stress. The pressure to spend money on gifts, social events, or travel can add to the burden of feeling financially insecure. And if you’re already feeling isolated or disconnected due to lack of work, the social demands of the holidays can feel even more daunting.
It’s important to understand that these feelings are completely valid. A lot of people feel stress around the holidays, especially when dealing with financial uncertainty and mental health struggles. So, as we move through this time of year, it’s essential to recognize the stress but also take proactive steps to manage it.
Creating a Positive Holiday Mindset
The holidays don’t have to be a time of constant pressure. Instead of focusing on the things you can’t control (like when the next job will come or how much money you have in the bank), let’s focus on the things you can control.
One of the first things we recommend in the Holiday Guide is to shift your mindset. Rather than viewing the holidays as a time of “shoulds” and “have-tos,” think of them as an opportunity to pause, recharge, and reflect. We all deserve a break, even if that break doesn’t look like the picture-perfect holiday image we often see on social media.
Another way to shift your focus and mood is to….
Find Fun (and Affordable) Holiday Events and Gifts
The holiday season doesn’t have to be all about spending big money. There are plenty of free or low-cost festivals, fairs, concerts, and community events that can help you get into the holiday spirit without the financial strain. Look for local holiday markets, outdoor festivals, or tree-lighting ceremonies happening in your area—these events can be a fun way to enjoy the season with friends and family, while also supporting your community.
Another great way to reduce stress around gift-giving is to focus on buying from local makers. Not only does this support small businesses, but you can often find affordable, thoughtful gifts that have more meaning and uniqueness than something from a big-box store. Many communities host craft fairs or pop-up shops during the holidays where you can find handmade goods, art, and gifts that fit within your budget.
So, explore your local area for events and shops that offer free or low-cost experiences—celebrating with your community can often be more rewarding than spending money on expensive gifts or outings. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others and enjoy the true spirit of the season!
Tips for Navigating Holiday Stress
Here are a few additional ideas for maintaining your mental health and balance during the holidays:
Practice Gratitude to Shift Your Focus
One simple yet powerful way to manage stress and boost your mental well-being during the holiday season is to practice gratitude. It’s easy to get caught up in everything that’s not going as planned. However, taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for can have a profound impact on your mental state.Try writing down three things you’re grateful for every day. These don’t have to be grand gestures or monumental events—sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact. Maybe it’s a good cup of coffee in the morning, the support of a friend, or simply the quiet moment before the chaos of the day begins. Writing down these moments of gratitude can help shift your focus away from what’s stressing you out and remind you of the good things in your life.
Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays can often be a time of high expectations, especially when it comes to gift-giving, socializing, and family obligations. But it’s important to be realistic with yourself about what you can manage. You don’t need to go overboard with extravagant gifts or try to please everyone in your life. Set boundaries and prioritize what’s truly important to you.
Take Time for Yourself
It’s easy to feel pressured to be constantly “on” during the holidays. Whether it’s attending every party, checking off a long to-do list, or taking on extra tasks for family, it can feel like there’s no time left for yourself. Make sure to carve out moments to recharge. Whether it’s a few minutes of mindfulness in the morning, a walk in nature, or simply binge-watching your favorite show—allow yourself space to relax and reset.
Stay Connected, But Don’t Overdo It
While the holidays are a time to connect with loved ones, it’s okay to pace yourself. Social fatigue is real, and if you’re feeling drained, it’s perfectly fine to take a step back. Don’t feel guilty about turning down invites or keeping things low-key. Your mental health matters more than fulfilling obligations.
Financial Stress Management
If you’re feeling the pressure of holiday spending, take a breath. It’s okay if you can’t afford the grand gifts or festive experiences this year. The important thing is to be honest with yourself about your budget and find ways to make the holidays meaningful without financial strain. The Holiday Guide offers practical tips on how to approach holiday finances, including affordable gift ideas and ways to enjoy the holidays without overspending.
Mind Your Mental Health
The combination of work uncertainty, financial worries, and holiday expectations can leave many feeling overwhelmed. Be sure to prioritize your mental health this season. If you’re feeling anxious, isolated, or down, reach out to a professional for support. You don’t have to face it alone. We’ll discuss more about seeking professional help and self-care strategies in the full guide.
Personal Stories from Dr. Allison Crawford: Navigating Holiday Stress
In our Calltime podcast Episode 6 from earlier this year, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Allison Crawford, psychiatrist at CAMH (the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) who shared her personal stories and invaluable advice for managing stress during the holiday.
Dr. Crawford emphasized how the pressure to have a “perfect” holiday can create unnecessary stress. She shared how, one year, her family decided to forgo the usual gift-giving tradition:"We decided together to skip the whole gifting part for that year, and it was one of the most peaceful holidays we had. Sometimes, letting go of the ‘perfect’ holiday allows for more meaningful connection."
Dr. Crawford also shared a deeply personal story about navigating the holiday season after the death of her brother. She reflected on how, in the wake of such a significant loss, her family had to confront the realities of what they could handle emotionally and logistically during the holidays. Rather than adhering to the usual holiday traditions and expectations, they made the decision to be open about their limitations. "Being vulnerable can bring us closer together. We realized that being honest about what we could handle helped us focus on what truly mattered—being together."
In their grief, Dr. Crawford’s family embraced a different kind of holiday—one not defined by perfection or expectations, but by presence, understanding, and support for one another. This vulnerability allowed them to focus on the emotional connection they shared, rather than trying to meet the usual festive standards. It was a raw, real experience of what the holidays can truly be about: being together, not in spite of pain, but because of it."Being vulnerable can bring us closer together. We realized that being honest about what we could handle helped us focus on what truly mattered—being together."
These personal stories remind us that the holiday season doesn’t have to be perfect, and by embracing vulnerability, adjusting our expectations, and seeking out small connections, we can make the season more manageable. Her advice is not only practical but also deeply grounded in compassion and understanding, particularly for those of us in the film and motion picture sector. Listen to the Full Conversation with Allison below:
Resources:
Calltime Holiday Stress Guide: https://www.calltimementalhealth.com/managing-holiday-stress
Fun Holiday Event Ideas: https://healthyfamilyliving.com/metro-vancouver-holiday-events/
Calltime Podcast: Dr. Allison Crawford Psychiatrist at CAMH Here
Calltime Blog: “How to Survive a Sector Downturn: Navigating Job & Financial Distress” HERE.
Financial Empowerment Program at Family Services of Greater Vancouver:
Offers free financial education and coaching. https://fsgv.ca/programs/community-programs/financial-empowerment/ .
Podcast: Personal Finances When Times Are Tight with Murray Baker here.
988 Canada’s Suicide Help Line (simply dial or text 988 from any phone): This is the Canada-wide phone line for suicide crisis support. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or intentions call this line to gain immediate support
310-6789 BC Mental Health & Crisis Response Line (no area code needed): This is BC’s Mental Health crisis line offering emotional support and information on appropriate referral options, for a wide range of mental health concerns.
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