Health Advice from Dr Danielle Hairston
The holidays can be tough, but with a little self-care and creativity, they can also be meaningful and inspiring, she advises. Danielle HairstonMD, Psychiatrist and Associate Professor at Howard University.
Hairston offers practical tips for creating a fulfilling holiday season by setting boundaries, managing expectations, and embracing new traditions. He notes that it is not necessary to follow a special formula for holidays to be meaningful.
“The holidays are an opportunity to acknowledge your feelings, surround yourself with positivity, try new traditions, and set healthy boundaries. That way, you create a celebration that’s uplifting and empowering,” Hairston says.
Tip 1: Recognize that the holidays aren’t always fun
“If you don’t feel cheerful and bright, it’s not good,” says Hairston. “Acknowledging that the holidays can be difficult—whether because of family difficulties, feelings of loneliness, or other stressors—can help you set your expectations.”
Acknowledging these emotions can take the pressure off of creating the perfect holiday and allow you to focus on what’s really important to you, she adds.
Tip 2: Surround Yourself with People Who Lift You Up
Family is not only blood relations. Hairston explains that your “chosen family,” including best friends, mentors, neighbors, or a wider support circle, can help create a warm and fulfilling holiday experience. It encourages connecting with those who bring positivity into your life.
Tip 3: Create New Traditions—What do you know about Friendsmas?
“You don’t have to follow the traditions you grew up with,” advises Hairston.
She encourages people to start new traditions that bring them joy and reflect who they are. One such tradition he explores is “Friends,” a holiday celebration that combines “friends” and “Christmas.” Like Friendsgiving, Friendsmas is full of food, games, and karaoke, movie nights (yes, Die hard counts!), even trivia.
Hairston herself celebrates the community through events like Black Trivia Night, where friends gather to celebrate Black excellence and share joy through music and games. Events like these can inspire new traditions while connecting with others in a meaningful way.
This year, Hairston is making her own holiday memories by traveling to Jamaica with her family—showing that the season can be celebrated in ways that bring personal joy and fulfillment.
Dr. to join the holiday fun. See Hairston Black Trivia Night: Friendsmas Edition A celebration of community and joy on District Avenue in Washington, D.C. Visit Eventbrite for more information.
Tip 4: Prioritize Self-Care and Set Boundaries
Boundaries are important for a healthier vacation. If you need to take a break, come in late or leave early, give yourself permission, she advises.
“Conserve your energy and make time for relaxation and self-care by setting limits on what you can give to others,” says Hairston.
Overall, Hairston encourages everyone to empower themselves during the holiday season. Whether it’s setting boundaries, creating new traditions, or focusing on self-care, by managing your holiday experience, you can make this time of year uniquely meaningful and fulfilling.
“It’s an opportunity to prioritize the things that really bring you joy and connect with the people and activities that matter most,” says Hairston.