Half of Americans feel lonely around the holidays. These conversation starters can help build connection.

The holidays bring people, plans and parties. But a crowded room doesn't always mean a real connection. In fact, just over half of Americans (51%) say they feel lonely around the holidays, even when they're with loved ones, according to LifeStance's 2025 Holiday Mental Health Report . And with nearly 7 in 10 respondents (69%) feeling at least a little pressure to appear happier than they really are, it can be hard to open up to others, especially a new in-law, a distant cousin or a coworker at the office party. kAmu66=:?8 >@C6 4@??64E65 2?5 =6DD =@?6=J @7E6? DE2CED H:E9 2 D:?8=6 BF6DE:@?] k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^=:76DE2?46]4@>^nFE>0D@FC46lDE24<6CU2>AjFE>0>65:F>lC676CC2=Qm{:76$E2?46 w62=E9k^2m 6IA=2:?D H9J E96 9@=:52JD 42? 766= D@ :D@=2E:?8 2?5 9@H E96 C:89E 4@?G6CD2E:@? DE2CE6CD 42? EFC? 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