Christmas is meant to feel joyful. Yet for so many people, the holidays tend to magnify what they’re already carrying … (grief, loneliness, comparison, disappointment, even pressure to perform online.) In the middle of social media’s highlight reels, it can feel like you're the only one struggling. In today’s episode, Jessica invites licensed family + marriage therapist Rebecca Maxwell from the Jesus and Your Mental Health podcast and Pastor Jonathan Vinke from The Church of Eleven22 into a raw and hope-filled conversation about navigating Christmas when it doesn’t feel so merry.

In this episode we cover:

• Why the holidays tend to amplify whatever we’re already feeling... - joy, grief, loneliness, stress, or unmet expectations

• How social media intensifies comparison

• Navigating Christmas when you’re grieving - whether the loss is a loved one, a relationship, a dream, or the way life used to be

• The pressure to post like everything is fine

• Setting healthy emotional + digital boundaries

• Biblical encouragement - how followers of Jesus can hold grief and hope in the same hands

If you’ve ever thought…“Everyone else’s life looks better than mine.” “I should feel joyful, but I don’t.” “Posting feels weird when I’m hurting.” This conversation will meet you right where you are.

Connect with Rebecca!

IG: @rebeccamaxinjax TikTok: @rebeccamaxinjax Youtube: ⁨@RebeccaMaxinJax⁩

Buy a copy of her book here

Her book makes a thoughtful Christmas gift for someone walking through a hard time, especially during the holidays!

You can also hear more from her on the Jesus and Your Mental Health podcast.

Connect with Pastor Jonathan by tuning into the The Jesus and Your Mental Health Podcast and Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin.

To get connected with other upside down influencers and follow along with us, you can find us on:

Instagram: @upsidedowninfluencer TikTok: @upsidedowninfluencer Facebook To reach out to us: upsidedowninfluencer@gmail.com