Don’t Do December Alone: Strengthening Your Support System Before You Need It
Some seasons ask more of us than others. Not because we’re doing anything wrong, but because life feels fuller, louder, and emotionally heavier all at once.
December has a way of stretching people — even the ones who usually feel steady. And when that happens, the first thing we often lose is support. We isolate, minimize our needs, or tell ourselves we’ll deal with it later.
But support isn’t something you wait for when you’re overwhelmed. It’s something you build before the weight settles in.
The holidays can be loud. Busy. Full. And still… extremely lonely for some of us.
Even when you are surrounded by people, this season has a way of bringing things to the surface — stress, old memories, unresolved family dynamics, grief, or the quiet realization that you’ve been carrying too much for too long.
So as we move through December, I want to offer a truth that is both simple and powerful: You were never meant to do this season alone.
Surrounding yourself with support doesn’t mean you’re weak - it means you are wise. When life gets heavy, the healthiest thing you can do is stop pretending you’re fine and start choosing connection on purpose.
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to bother anyone,” or “I should be able to handle this,” this is for you.
Why Support Matters More During the Holidays:
The holidays can intensify everything you’re already feeling.
If you’re already tired, you’ll feel more tired.
If you’re already stressed, you’ll feel more on edge.
If you’re carrying grief, it can show in unexpected ways.
Having people to support you acts like a stabilizer. It doesn’t erase hard emotions, but it helps you stay grounded while you move through them. And sometimes, it’s the difference between coping and spiraling.
The problem is: most people wait until they’re already overwhelmed before they reach out.
But support works best when it’s built ahead of time.
So here are four steps to help you build a support system that will help you navigate the holidays well.
Step 1: Identify Your “Safe People”
Not everyone is a safe person — and that’s okay.
A safe person is someone who:
listens without minimizing
doesn’t make your feelings feel like “too much”
offers steady presence, not quick fixes
respects your boundaries
provides real confidentiality
Take a moment and ask yourself: Who do I feel calmer after talking to?
Who makes me feel seen, not judged? Who can I trust with my real emotions?
If you can identify even one or two people, that’s enough to start.
Step 2: Decide What Kind of Support You Need
Support isn’t one-size-fits-all:
Sometimes you need someone to talk to.
Sometimes you need practical help.
Sometimes you need distraction.
Sometimes you need someone to sit with you in the hard moment without trying to change it.
Here are a few simple ways to name your needs:
“Can I talk something out with you this week?”
“I don’t need advice — I just need a listening ear.”
“Can you check on me after that family gathering?”
“Can we make plans for coffee or a walk? I need something steady on the calendar.”
Clear needs create clearer support.
Step 3: Create a Plan for the Hard Days
This is where most people miss it.
If you know certain days, events, or gatherings are emotionally complicated, don’t walk into them without a plan.
Ask yourself:
What moment is most likely to trigger me?
What can I do to ground myself before I go?
Who can I text if I’m overwhelmed?
What’s my exit strategy if I need space?
Having a plan doesn’t mean you’re negative. It means you’re caring for yourself.
Step 4: Expand Your Support If Your Circle Is Small
This is for the person reading this who thinks, “That sounds great… but I don’t really have people.”
You’re not alone in that. But you also don’t have to stay here.
Support can be built — slowly and intentionally — through:
consistent community (a group, class, church community, or support space)
one safe relationship at a time
therapy as a steady, grounded outlet
boundaries with unsafe people so you can make room for healthier connection
A small circle doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re building.
A Gentle Reminder for This Week:
You don’t have to carry everything by yourself.
You’re allowed to ask for help before you hit a breaking point.
You’re allowed to want support, consistency, and care.
If this season is heavy — whether because of stress, grief, family dynamics, or just sheer exhaustion — Bee Well Solutions is here for you.
You deserve support that feels safe.
Want to find consistent support through therapy? Click the book now button to schedule a 15 minute consult today!
