John M. Grohol, Psy. It is usually related to the holiday season because it brings back memories of a happier time in our lives. We may remember spending past holidays with a loved one who is no longer with us. Or it may be a combination of these things and others, such as dealing with an ongoing mental disorder.
Stress is increased during the holidays due to a number of factors as well.
Old family arguments are often reignited during the holidays, lines are longer everywhere you go shopping, parking spaces are impossible to find, and you often must schedule your life to try and get to three places all at the same time. Overeating is another common holiday-related problem. With an abundance of food and drink available for many family gatherings, it is often the case where we overeat. Many people also use overeating as a way of coping with the increased stress or feelings of depression during this time of the year. The holidays are first and foremost a time of spirituality and a recognition of special religious events.