Desert Mountain Children's Center

“Our Mission: The relentless pursuit of whatever works in the life of a child.”

How Holidays can be Stressful for Children

Steering Committee

November 1, 2023

The holidays can be a difficult time of the year for many individuals, including kids. The reasons that the holiday season can be stressful are as varied as the individuals affected – the stress can come from individual experiences, family dynamics, relationships, etc. In a survey conducted in 2021, 3 of 5 respondents stated that their mental health was negatively affected by the holidays.¹ While the respondents in this survey were adults, we know that the holidays can also be stressful for kids.²

Some common factors contributing to holiday stress for children include:

1. Disruption of Routine
• The holiday season often disrupts their daily schedules, with changes in school routines, sleep patterns, and activities.
• Since children thrive on routine and predictability, this disruption can be unsettling for some children.


2. Academic Pressure
• Family gatherings during the holidays can bring both joy and stress.
• Preparing for end-of-semester exams or managing homework during a time when they expect to relax can be challenging.
• Children may also experience stress due to changes in living arrangements if parents are divorced or separated.


3. Missing Loved Ones
• The holidays may evoke feelings of sadness or grief if children have lost loved ones or if family members are absent due to work, military service, or other reasons.


4. Family Dynamics
• Family gatherings during the holidays can bring both joy and stress.
• Preparing for end-of-semester exams or managing homework during a time when they expect to relax can be challenging.
• Children may also experience stress due to changes in living arrangements if parents are divorced or separated.


5. Overstimulation
• The holiday season often involves sensory overload, with bright lights, loud music, and crowded spaces.
• For children who are sensitive to sensory stimuli, this can be overwhelming and lead to stress.


6. Media and Commercialization
• The holiday season is often portrayed in the media and advertising as a time of perfect happiness and abundance.
• Children may feel pressure to meet these unrealistic expectations.


7. Time and Pressure
• With numerous holiday activities and commitments, children may feel rushed and time stressed.
• This can contribute to anxiety and overwhelm.


8. Travel and Disruption of Home Life
• Traveling during the holidays or hosting visitors can disrupt a child's sense of home and security.
• Changes in sleeping arrangements and daily routines can be unsettling.


9. Financial Concerns
• Children may pick up on financial stress in their families related to holiday spending.
• They may worry about the cost of gifts or the family's financial well-being.


10. Gift Expectations
• Children may feel pressure to receive or give gifts, and they might worry about disappointing others or not receiving what they desire.
• This can be particularly stressful if their expectations are not met.


11. Social Pressure
• Holiday parties and gatherings may expose children to social situations where they feel pressured to socialize with relatives and/or peers they are not comfortable interacting with.


12. Peer Comparisons
• Children may compare their holiday experiences, gifts, or family celebrations with those of their peers.
• This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and/or stress.


13. Cultural or Religious Expectations
For children from families with strong cultural or religious traditions, there may be additional expectations and responsibilities during the holiday season, adding to their stress.

Schools can play a crucial role in helping students deal with the stress of the holidays. Here are some practical tips for schools to support students during this potentially stressful period:

1. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
• Encourage an open and non-judgmental atmosphere where students feel comfortable discussing their holiday-related stress.
• Train staff, including teachers, counselors, and support personnel, to recognize signs of stress and offer support.


2. Holiday-Themed School Activities
• Plan holiday-themed activities that are fun and engaging, such as decorating the school, holiday music, and special events.
• Make sure they are inclusive of diverse cultural celebrations.


3. Cultural Sensitivity
• Respect and acknowledge the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of students.
• Promote understanding and inclusivity by highlighting the various holiday traditions and celebrations.


4. Anti-Bullying Initiatives
• Continue anti-bullying efforts and reinforce the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect among students.

References:

1. Holiday 2021 Stress Reprot: Increase in Anxiety, Depression & COVID-Related Stress
2. Mental Health and the Holids: Stress for Kids

Resources:

• Holiday Stress and the Brain
• The Most Difficult Time of the Year: Mental Health During the Holidays
• Holiday Stress Affects Children Too
• Holiday Stress and Anxiety in Children
• 7 Ways Prevent Holiday Stress for Your Children
• Could Holiday Stress by Affecting Your Child's Holiday Joy
• Holiday Stress and Anxiety Affects my Kids: How Can We Strike a Healthy Balance
• Kids Get Holiday Stress, Too
• How to Make Holidays Kid-Friendly
• How to Help Students Deal with Holiday Stress
• Helping Students Who Find Holidays Hard
• How You Can Help Your Students Cope With Holiday Stress
• Manage Holiday Stress in the Classroom
• The Holiday Season Isn’t Always Jolly
• Supporting Sutdents During Winter Break
• Reduce Winter Break Stress for Students
• Don’t Assume that Every Student Dad a Fun or Warm Holiday Break
• Why Can the Holiday's be so Stressful and Dreaded By Students
• Seven Ways to Cope with Holiday Stress
• Supporting Children During the Holiday Season