Holiday Blues is a real thing. If your kids are suffering from it, read this article to help them manage their feelings.

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – said Calvin Coolidge, 30th U.S. president. 

But the reality of 21st-century America is entirely different. The very season that was responsible for promoting peace and relaxation is doing the exact opposite. A survey conducted by One Poll, commissioned by JoyOrganics revealed shocking results.

Nearly 77% of the respondents said they feel more stressed and worn down at Christmas. 56% said the financial strain brought on by Christmas was the main reason behind their agony. They find the difficult to manage their job while finding gifts for every family member and decorating the house.

Not only that a poll created by the University of Michigan showed kids get influenced by parents’ holiday stress. 1 in 6 parents especially mothers rated their stress level high during holidays. Many caregivers said they feel more relieved when their children go to school as it helps the kids to maintain a schedule. 

The co-director of this poll, Sarah Clark said in a news release, “ In most families, school forces a daily routine, with specific times for waking up, getting out the door, bedtime, and meals.” She also said, “ Many parents want to give their children those perfect magical memories to treasure for years to come.” 

There are numerous techniques to determine whether or not your child is experiencing holiday anxiety. These are a few of them:

• You often find them showing tantrums without any reason. 
• They suddenly refused to leave your side. 
• They are continuously talking about the home on vacation. 
• They don’t want to go to parties or travel. 
• They are preferring to be alone in a gathering or insist you go home. 
• Not getting excited about things they used to enjoy. It could be a trip to their favorite park or picking gifts. 

The reason why children experience anxiety during holidays is the next big question. Katie Hurley a Psychotherapist shared that routine helps children to maintain a good mindset. But during the holiday season, we often ended up breaking our daily norms. 

The unpredictability of the situation makes some kids anxious. Also, sudden changes in diet, sleep patterns, long hours of travel, or spending more time on mobile leads to a spike in anxiety. All of these affect the well-being of children and parents.

But you can try to avoid social anxiety and stress by following the tips given below: 

Tips for maintaining the emotional well-being of kids during the holiday 

1.Keep things casual and fun

Holidays are meant to be enjoyable and carefree, not flawless. Keep things calm hence. Try innovative ways to celebrate unity rather than adhering to a holiday rigidly according to the rules.

Plan a vacation or a gaming night. Video call certain family members if they are unable to attend your home. Make sure that none of the holiday-related ceremonies are causing you any stress.

2. Acknowledge your kids’ feelings

Give your child the chance to talk to you if they are upset about something. Don’t try to make them happy just because it’s the holidays. Ask them to write down their feelings if they don’t feel comfortable expressing them verbally.

Dr. Charlotte Reznick, the author of The Power of Child’s Imagination, asserts that allowing children to articulate their inner feelings and giving them names makes them more aware of who they are.

3.Ensure that they are following the routine

A healthy and happy existence is dependent on consistency. Additionally, it makes kids’ lives more comfortable. So make sure your child is following their routine, regardless of how many parties you need to attend or meals you need to organize.

The intense holiday worry will be reduced.

4.Plan some exercises for them

Exercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Avoiding it just worsens the situation. Additionally, it results in the release of endorphins in the brain, which lessens stress.

You can arrange a snow battle, a game of tag, or a trampoline date. Let them select their preferred pastime.

5.Spend some alone time with your kid

During the holidays, quality family time is crucial. They feel secure because of it. Find a peaceful area of your home, read a book together, or sketch something with them. Your minds will both be calmed by this.

All these will create a supportive and nurturing environment for kids during the holiday season. It will also help them to navigate any emotional challenges that may arise.