Holiday Season Tips

As we enter the holiday season, our school counseling team wishes you a month filled with connection, calm, and moments that matter. December often brings extra family time—something many children look forward to, yet it can also introduce stress for students and adults alike. Below are some supportive reminders and practical strategies to help your family enjoy the season with balance and intention.

Holiday Time = Family Time… Exciting and Stressful

The holidays come with joy, anticipation, and cherished traditions—but they can also bring schedule changes, higher expectations, and overstimulation. Children may feel stress even if they can’t fully articulate it, and adults often juggle additional responsibilities. Awareness is the first step in supporting ourselves and each other.

Tips for Quality Family Time

Here are simple, meaningful ways to strengthen family connection this month:

• Create small daily rituals: A quick evening walk, sharing “highs and lows” of the day, or reading a book together promotes connection without adding pressure.
• Keep expectations realistic: Not every moment has to be picture-perfect. Focus on presence over perfection.
• Share responsibilities: Allow children to help with decorating, cooking, or wrapping gifts. Participation builds confidence and eases adult stress.
• Protect downtime: Quiet, unstructured time helps everyone reset—especially in a busy month.

Knowing When to Unplug

Digital devices can be fun and helpful, but unplugging intentionally creates space for deeper connection.

Good times to disconnect include:

• During meals – Encourage conversation and gratitude.
• One hour before bedtime – Reduces anxiety and improves sleep.
• First 15 minutes after arriving home – A “transition window” helps everyone shift from school/work mode to family mode.
• Dedicated family time – Even 20 device-free minutes can feel restorative.

Consider creating a family “unplug basket” during these windows.

Noticing Stress in Ourselves and Our Children

All ages—from kindergarteners to high schoolers—can experience holiday-related stress. Signs may include:

In Children (K–8):

• Increased irritability or meltdowns
• Trouble sleeping
• Withdrawal from activities
• Clinginess or seeking extra reassurance

In Teenagers (9–12):

• Mood changes or heightened frustration
• Fatigue or oversleeping
• Avoiding friends or family activities
• Feeling overwhelmed by expectations

In Adults (Parents/Caregivers):

• Feeling rushed or depleted
• Reduced patience
• Difficulty relaxing
• Trouble sleeping or staying focused

How to Respond with Validation

• Acknowledge feelings: “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed. That makes sense.”
• Normalize emotions: Remind them (and yourself!) that stress is a common part of busy seasons.
• Offer coping tools: Deep breaths, fresh air, quiet breaks, or talking things out.
• Model healthy habits: Children learn emotional regulation by watching the adults they trust.

Making the Holidays Memorable—Back to Basics

You don’t need grand plans to create meaningful moments. This year, consider slowing down and savoring the simple things:

• Make hot cocoa together
• Drive around to look at holiday lights
• Listen to music or play a board game
• Bake a favorite treat
• Share stories about family traditions
• Create a gratitude jar for 2025

Often, it’s the smallest gestures that become lifelong memories.

We Are Here for You

As always, our school counseling team is committed to supporting every student and family. If your child needs additional help, or if you’d like to speak with someone about concerns during this season, please feel free to reach out.

We wish you a peaceful, joyful, and heartwarming holiday season filled with connection, comfort, and meaningful moments.