Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series on managing holiday stress. Part one focuses on understanding the roots of holiday pressure and learning realistic coping tools. Part two will explore strategies for setting boundaries, recognizing warning signs of depression or substance misuse and finding support through local mentalhealth resources.The holiday season often arrives with high expectations, emotional strain and pressure to create picture-perfect celebrations. For many, the joy of the season is overshadowed by comparison, financial stress and lingering grief. A local therapist says much of that distress stems from unrealistic ideals, which leave people feeling inadequate when reality doesn’t match the image of a flawless holiday.“The biggest cause is expectations,” said Stabilization Support Services Clinical Lead and Therapist Robert Cox. “We build expectations of what the holidays ‘should’ lo...