Los Angeles Anxiety Therapist Talks Holiday Rituals to Calm an Anxious Mind- Spotlight #1
Gentle holiday rituals and grounding gift ideas for children and parents recommended by a therapist. Written by an anxiety therapist in Los Angeles, CA.
As an anxiety therapist in Los Angeles, CA who supports First Gen, BIPOC, and Queer communities, I know how overwhelming the holiday season can feel. The pressure of past experiences, family expectations, and even the gift-giving process can bring up anxiety or lead to procrastination. If you’re feeling disconnected this holiday season, you may also appreciate my recent post on holiday emotional overwhelm.
That’s why I’m sharing rituals and gift ideas from healers in our community—practitioners who help people slow down, breathe deeper, and return to their bodies. Their perspectives offer simple ways to choose gifts or practices that support grounding, whether for yourself, your loved ones, or your family.
Grounding Rituals for Children and Their Parents During The Holidays
Working during this time of the year, I witness the stress and anxiety many of my clients as parents hold around the holidays. The pressure to create meaningful memories for their kids can take an emotional toll — especially when parents feel the need to “hold it together” while managing their own overwhelm.
To begin the series, “Holiday Ritual Guide for an Anxious Mind,” you’ll meet a therapist who works with children and parents—and who emphasizes the power of rituals and gifts that bring calmness and presence to the body.
Spotlight on Elaine Luna, LMFT (She/Her)— Anxiety Therapist for Children and Parents
Elaine, LMFT, partners with children and their parents to strengthen their relationship and soften patterns that no longer serve them in Orange County, Ca.
Who She Supports and Why This Work Matters
Elaine partners with children and their parents to strengthen their relationship and soften patterns that no longer serve them. She specializes in anxiety, OCD, and trauma—and her passion for working with kids runs deep.
As she shares, “I think I was drawn to working with children because I became the person I needed growing up.”
Her work is grounded, compassionate, and rooted in helping families reconnect in ways that feel safe and supportive.
Gift Ideas that Support the Nervous System
A Grounding Gift She Loves for Kids Who Feel Overstimulated or Anxious:
Elaine recommends choosing something that aligns with a child’s natural interests—anything that invites them back into the present moment. This could be drawing or painting materials, kinetic sand, or other sensory-based items that help little ones ground through play.
Rituals for an anxious mind for a family lies in connection, presence, and a space for meaningful memories—without pressure or structure.
Simple Grounding Rituals for Families During The Holidays
A No-Cost Ritual Elaine Shares with Parents and Kids:
Elaine’s go-to grounding rituals are beautifully simple and don’t require buying anything. One of her favorites is stepping outside for a small scavenger hunt or an “I Spy” walk. These rituals create connection, build presence, and offer space for meaningful memories—without pressure or structure.
Holiday Wisdom from an Anxiety Therapist
A Message to Parents: Honor what your body needs.
Elaine encourages parents to give themselves permission to cancel plans, leave early, or slow down—because rest is not only allowed, it’s necessary. When your nervous system feels safer, everything becomes more manageable. Modeling rest also teaches your kids that slowing down is normal and healthy.
Connect With Elaine Luna, LMFT
Learn More of Follow Her Work
Instagram: @healingconnectiontherapyoc
Website: www.healingconnectiontherapy.net
Holidays Can Be Grounding for an Anxious Mind
The process of finding supportive rituals or gifts for your child doesn’t have to feel overwhelming this holiday season. Simple, intentional practices can create connection, calm, and a sense of safety—for their nervous system and yours.
To explore more rituals and gift ideas for the holiday season, return to Holiday Ritual Guide for an Anxious Mind — And stay Tuned for Spotlight #2, featuring grounding rituals for overwhelmed folks during fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
You deserve rest and self-nourishment, whether that means leaning into support or giving yourself permission to slow down.
Work with an Anxiety Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
If you are experiencing your anxiety feeling more present or can not shake off the overthinking during the holidays, you do not need to navigate it alone. As an anxiety therapist in Los Angeles, CA, I support first-generation, BIPOC, and Queer adults who are ready to stop carrying everything alone and want a more compassionate relationship with themselves and their relationships.
If you’re curious about what healing could look like for you, I’d invite you to explore the possibility of working together. Schedule a Free Consultation at (323) 493-6644 or Book Here.
Ligia Orellana, LMFT (#122659)
I’m an anxiety therapist in Los Angeles, California, certified in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy and Somatic Attachment Therapy. I help first-generation BIPOC and Queer adults who feel the pressure to hold it all together move through self-doubt, anxiety, and relationship struggles. My work creates space for deeper connection and self-trust through emotional safety and cultural understanding.
Learn more about my work with relationship stress, people-pleasing and self-doubt, and online therapy, or visit my About page to learn more.
