The holiday season, often portrayed as joyful and celebratory, can also bring emotional strain, disrupted routines and heightened stress. Licensed psychotherapist and theologian Dr. Cherry DeVore Estelhomme discussed practical ways listerners can reset their mindset and manage what are commonly referred to as the “holiday blues.”
Dr. Cherry, CEO of New Foundations Christian Counseling Center, has been serving as a recurring guest throughout the month, offering mental wellness strategies rooted in psychology, faith and lived experience. During this show, the discussion centered on how individuals can intentionally navigate emotional overload during the holidays, particularly when grief, exhaustion or unmet expectations are present.
Dr. Cherry outlined a three-part framework designed to help individuals approach the season with clarity and balance: reflect gently, refocus intentionally and reconnect purposefully. She emphasized that mindset work should begin with honest self-reflection, not self-judgment or comparison. Reflection, she explained, allows individuals to recognize emotions without assigning blame or pressure to “feel happy” simply because it is the holidays.
She encouraged listeners to examine what they are grateful for while also acknowledging areas where they may feel stuck or overwhelmed. This gentle awareness, she said, creates the foundation for emotional regulation and healthier decision-making during an emotionally charged time of year.
Refocusing intentionally was presented as the second critical step. Dr. Cherry noted that the holidays often come with unspoken obligations, family gatherings, social expectations and emotional labor, that can exacerbate stress. She stressed the importance of boundaries, including choosing which events to attend, which conversations to engage in and when to step back entirely to preserve emotional well-being.
“You have to be intentional about yourself because no one else will be,” Dr. Cherry said.
The final component, reconnecting purposefully, focused on the value of meaningful support systems. Rather than spreading energy thin across multiple relationships, Dr. Cherry encouraged listeners to identify trusted individuals who offer emotional safety, accountability and encouragement. She highlighted the importance of spiritual and relational grounding, particularly during seasons marked by loss or transition.
The discussion also addressed the role of solitude in emotional health. Dr. Cherry challenged the assumption that being alone automatically signals isolation or depression, noting that intentional solitude can be a necessary tool for recalibration. Drawing from both clinical practice and spiritual principles, she explained that stepping away from constant stimulation allows individuals to process emotions before they escalate into conflict or emotional exhaustion.
In a moment of transparency, Dr. Cherry shared that her only brother passed away on Christmas, making the holiday season a permanent emotional marker in her life. She explained the importance of allowing space for grief while also recognizing when prolonged sadness may require additional support. That distinction led into a broader explanation of situational, seasonal and clinical depression.
Situational depression, she explained, is tied to specific life events such as job loss, financial strain or conflict. Seasonal depression is often triggered by certain times of year that amplify feelings of loneliness or loss. Clinical depression, however, is a diagnosable mental health condition that may require professional intervention, including medication. Dr. Cherry emphasized that seeking help should not be associated with shame or spiritual failure.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.