Carrying hope into the holiday season

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While this time of year is often wrapped in cheer and can certainly be filled with wonderful moments like family gatherings and friendly faces, it can also be a difficult season for anyone carrying private struggles. From mental health concerns to the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship or the ongoing work of addiction recovery, it’s perfectly normal to feel less festive. You may not be able to change all of your circumstances, but you can always hold out hope for the holidays and for better days to come.

At Marrin Weejali, our drug and alcohol recovery and emotional support programs support Aboriginal and non-Indigenous people in Western Sydney in rebuilding their shattered spirits. We know this season brings both happy and difficult emotions to the surface, and we know that with help, you can find strength, clarity and balance for 2026.

For those already experiencing emotional distress, the holiday season can often exacerbate feelings of grief, regret, tension or disconnection. When you compare it to the community-wide sense of joy and celebration, it’s quite the contrast. And it’s easy to feel like you’re not meeting social expectations. If you’ve recently lost a loved one or ended a relationship, absence is always louder at Christmas time.

It’s common to want to feel included in the happy aspect of the season, but also feel disconnected from it or exhausted by it. However, smiling through pain, avoiding difficult conversations or hiding struggles behind a cheerful front will take a toll. The better option is to work through grief or recovery in ways that feel right for you.

You don’t need to fake happiness. It’s okay if this season brings more pressure than peace right now. Recognise your emotional and physical limits, and take a step back whenever you need to.

In addiction recovery, routines are incredibly important and helpful. The holidays often disrupt carefully established rhythms, not just for kids staying up past bedtime, but for adults, too. Whether you’re going away or juggling extra responsibilities, try to stick as closely as possible to what works for you. Make sleep, exercise, proper nutrition and hydration a priority. Leaning on the small things can help restore a sense of order. Take a short walk or enjoy a quiet moment with a cup of tea to stay anchored.

Only enter environments where you feel safe and secure. If certain events or spaces feel overwhelming or uncomfortable, it’s fine to avoid them. Don’t feel like you have to push through every invite or stay longer than what feels right. It’s not a case of trying to get out of things; it’s about protecting the stability you’ve worked hard to create.

Festive gatherings frequently centre around alcohol, emotional reunions and late nights, all of which can be difficult for those recovering from addiction or experiencing social or emotional trauma.

Planning ahead helps. If you’d like to attend certain events, bring a trusted support person if possible. Agree together on how you’ll manage difficult moments. Know the signs that you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or triggered, and act early. That might mean taking a breather or choosing to leave altogether.

You never owe anyone an explanation. It’s okay to say no to a drink or leave a situation that doesn’t feel right. Protecting your progress matters more than keeping others comfortable.

Support looks different for everyone, but there’s never any shame in asking for it. In fact, it’s one of the most courageous things you can do. If you’re dealing with drug or alcohol addiction or mental health challenges, the holiday season can be a good time to reach out and begin the healing process. The earlier you do, the better.

Don’t let things hit crisis point. It’s better to be able to respond rather than react. Whether it’s a phone call, a conversation with someone you trust or a check-in with a service like counselling or therapy, this powerful step can interrupt a harmful spiral before it gains momentum.

Help is available, and it isn’t just clinical. It can come through community, connection and culturally sensitive care at Marrin Weejali.

As the year comes to a close, we acknowledge that this season can hold both joy and hardship. Wherever you find yourself, we hope you feel supported, connected and ready to carry something good into the new year. A quiet moment of peace. A small sense of strength. Or just the knowledge that things can get better.

At Marrin Weejali, we walk beside you on the path to healing. We’re proud to partner with local organisations to deliver the services and support that help our clients rebuild their lives. Thank you to everyone who contributes to this work. We wish you a safe, peaceful and healthy Christmas season.

If you or someone you know needs support to overcome addiction, our programs offer holistic, culturally safe alternatives for individuals and families

You are welcome at Marrin Weejali.

Contact us for a confidential discussion.