Oak Orchard social worker offers advice for managing stress of holidays
By Valerie Mostyn, DSW, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Valerie Mostyn
The holidays are a joyful time for many families, but they can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. Parents are juggling work, school breaks, holiday events, shopping, and family obligations all at once.
While kids may be excited for time off from school, the change in routine can bring new challenges at home. The good news is that small changes and planning ahead can help families enjoy the holidays with less stress.
Helping Kids Keep Healthy Sleep Habits
When kids are home from school for extended breaks, sleep schedules can quickly fall apart. Late nights turn into sleeping until the afternoon. Then, when school starts again, kids are exhausted and the return to routine becomes a struggle.
Parents don’t need to keep a strict school-night schedule during break, but it helps to keep bedtimes and wake-up times close to normal, especially during the last few days before school begins again. Slowly moving bedtime earlier helps kids adjust without feeling overwhelmed.
Making Screen Time Easier to Manage
Managing screen time is one of the biggest challenges for families today, especially during breaks when kids are home more. Many kids stay up late gaming, scrolling, or texting, even after parents think they’re asleep.
Helpful tips for parents include:
- Set a clear “screens off” time each night
- Keep phones, tablets and gaming systems downstairs overnight
- Use built-in phone settings or parental controls
- Encourage reading, puzzles or quiet music before bed
Clear boundaries help kids sleep better and reduce daily conflicts at home.
Keeping Holiday Schedules Simple
Many parents feel pressure to fit everything into the holidays—shopping, parties, school events, family visits, sports and travel. Trying to do it all often leads to burnout.
Instead of overloading your calendar, choose what truly matters most to your family. Simple activities at home can bring just as much joy as big outings. Watching a holiday movie, decorating cookies, doing crafts or decorating your home together can all create lasting memories without added stress.
It’s okay to say no sometimes. Rest is just as important as celebration.
Easing the Pressure Around Holiday Spending
Money can be a major source of stress during the holidays. Kids may ask for expensive toys, clothes or electronics. But meaningful gifts don’t have to come with a big price tag.
Parents can:
- Choose one special gift and keep the rest simple
- Use secondhand shops for clothes, toys and books
- Talk openly with older kids about budgets
- Focus on experiences instead of expensive items
What kids remember most is spending time together—not the cost of what they receive.
When Sickness Changes Your Plans
Cold and flu season often overlaps with the holidays. When kids get sick, plans may have to change quickly. Big gatherings may need to be canceled, and disappointment can set in.
Parents can shift to low-key activities at home, such as movies, puzzles, music, and quiet time together. If family visits must be missed, video calls can help kids stay connected. And remember, holidays don’t have to happen on one specific day. Celebrating later is always an option.
Finding Balance for the Whole Family
The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. What children need most is connection, stability, and love. Keeping routines steady, setting healthy screen limits, simplifying schedules, managing money wisely, and caring for emotional health can make a big difference.
Parents already do so much every day. During the holidays, giving yourself grace may be one of the most important gifts you give your family.
