Managing Christmas Stress in New Zealand
Christmas in New Zealand has its own unique flavour – long warm days, busy shops, early-closing businesses, end-of-year deadlines, school prize givings, family gatherings, and the general push to get everything done before the country takes a collective summer break.
For many Kiwis, December becomes a pressure cooker.
So let’s talk about why it feels stressful, what you can do about it, and how simple Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) techniques can help you settle your body and mind.
Why the NZ Christmas Build-Up Feels So Intense
1. Everything finishes at once
Work deadlines, school wrap-ups, and social events all stack on top of each other. Instead of space, the calendar fills fast.
2. The “summer holiday” expectation
There’s often pressure to organise trips, accommodation, meals, presents – and pay for it all at the same time.
3. Family dynamics
Reunions can be beautiful, but they can also be emotional or draining.
4. Seasonal exhaustion
By December, most of us are simply tired. It’s been a long year.
Simple JSJ (Jin Shin Jyutsu) Techniques to Reduce Stress
JSJ is a gentle Japanese healing art that uses light touch to support the body’s energy pathways. These self-help holds are simple, calming, and easy to do anywhere – even at the beach or in the car before another holiday event.
1. Hold Your Fingers for Emotional Balance
Each finger helps a different emotion. Wrap one hand around the finger of your other hand and hold until you feel a pulse or your breath deepens.
Thumb → Worry, anxiety, mental pressure
Index finger → Fear, nervousness, feeling ungrounded
Middle finger → Anger, frustration, irritation
Ring finger → Grief, sadness, letting go
Little finger → Trying too hard, people-pleasing, overwhelm
Do this for a few minutes on each side.
It’s subtle but powerful.
2. Shoulder Hold for Tension (SEL 3)
Place your right hand on your left shoulder and your left hand on your right shoulder.
This helps:
release upper-body tension
calm the nervous system
support deeper breathing
reduce mental clutter
Think of it as a self-hug with energetic benefits.
3. Hands on the Ribs
Place your hands gently on the base of your rib cage.
This hold helps when:
emotions feel tight
breathing feels shallow
you’re feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated
It allows the body to soften and settle.
General Advice for a Calmer Kiwi Christmas
1. Claim small pockets of rest
Even 5 minutes outside with your feet in the grass can shift everything.
2. Simplify where you can
Not every gathering, meal, or gift needs to be elaborate.
3. Set boundaries gently
A simple “I’d love to, but I can’t make that work this week” is more than enough.
4. Delegate
Let others bring food, share the planning, or help with tasks.
5. Keep breathing
Slow breaths through the nose naturally calm the vagus nerve and reduce stress hormones.
Final Thoughts
This season can hold joy, connection, and light – but it’s okay if it also feels heavy or stressful.
Supporting your body with simple JSJ holds and allowing yourself some spaciousness can make the buildup to Christmas feel much more manageable.
Be gentle with yourself as the year winds down.
Your well-being matters just as much as the celebrations ahead. 🌿✨