That being said, if you want to tone down the holiday, or skip it all
together, that is fine. What you do the first Thanksgiving doesn't have
to be what you do next year or the year after that. If you are
overwhelmed, and your energy is low, listen to your body and don't over
The first thing you can do to help ease anxiety is to practice
self-compassion. Validate your own feelings, and know that there is
nothing wrong with you if you dread a holiday without
Be honest with yourself. Write it in your journal,
and if you can, share with a trusted friend.