Nicola Shannon, counsellor and therapist at Maple Tree, agrees. “Seeing all the holiday lights and decorations, hearing Christmas carols that tell us, ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’ when inside, we feel anything but jolly, can be extremely difficult,” she says.

“The holiday season can be fraught with pressure to socialise and to maximise experiences, making the season of excess, at times, just a bit too excessive,” Chim says.

So where do you turn for help? There are three tiers to getting support, according to Chim.

The first starts with you being aware of a sense of dread, stress, anxiety or worry.

Next, know that your army is mighty. There are many people around the world who do not enjoy festivities, and this is worth respecting.

Lastly, get a guide. Imagine you are walking into a forest – if you have an experienced guide, you can decide if you want to take the shortest, quickest or most scenic route.

“A counsellor can help you do just that, and teach you useful survival tips along the way,” she says. A support network, particularly at this time of year, is important, Shannon reminds us: “Opening up to a trusted friend can be the first step. Often, just hearing someone say, ‘me too!’ can help us feel heard and less alone.”

It’s not uncommon for people to internalise narratives about the Christmas holidays, Shannon explains. Understanding and identifying these is key. “For example, ‘Holidays are a time for giving, therefore I have to buy everyone in the family a gift,’ even though I can’t really afford it,” she says.

“Once we begin to question the messaging we’re holding onto, we can begin to set boundaries. Naming what we want to do rather than should do – especially at this time of year – can be liberating and help to limit anxiety.”

Ultimately, these boundaries are key. “It’s easy to overcommit and end up having no time for yourself – be self-aware, and avoid overexerting yourself,” adds Chim.