The holiday season can be magical in schools! Hallways sparkle with decorations, classrooms are filled with energy and excitement, and there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. It’s a time of joy, traditions, and connection that feels truly special.
But the season can also be challenging. For school counselors, teachers, administrators, and school staff, this time of year brings a mix of excitement and concern. While the holidays are full of celebration, they can also be stressful for students, families, and the adults who support them.
When the hallways fill with holiday energy, I’m reminded how much our students carry with them, and how important it is that we meet this season with empathy and understanding. We often picture winter break as joyful and relaxing, but for many of our kids, it’s more complicated.
In my two decades as a school counselor, I’ve seen firsthand the many reasons why this time of year can feel emotionally heavy or overwhelming for students. Here are a few of the most common challenges they face:
The Loss of Routine
School gives so many of our kids the structure and predictability they rely on. It’s a place where they know what to expect and feel grounded. When break comes and that routine suddenly drops off, it can feel unsettling. For students who depend on that consistency, the shift can bring on anxiety, restlessness, or those emotional ups and downs we often see this time of year.
Academic Pressure Leading Up to the Break
Those last few weeks before break are packed! So many tests, projects, and end-of-term wrap-up tasks. Even our youngest students feel the pressure as they try to do their best and finish strong. By the time break finally arrives, many of them are worn out mentally, emotionally, and sometimes even physically.
Stress at Home
We never really know what a student’s home life looks or feels like during the holidays. Some of our kids experience financial stress, family conflict, or less access to supports they rely on at school. This can include meals, trusted adults, and mental health resources. For some kids, break can feel really long and for some, it can also feel lonely.
Social Worries
Not all students look forward to time away from school and their friends. Even our younger kiddos can feel a lot of pressure. This can be worrying about gifts, comparing themselves to what they see on social media, or feeling anxious that they won’t have anything new to wear or share when they return to school. Many families rely on holiday programs through schools and local churches to get by, which can make this season feel even more straining.
Educators Feel It Too
I also see how this season affects teachers and administrators. They carry the emotional weight of their students, manage growing workloads, and balance their own family responsibilities. The holidays aren’t just overwhelming for kids. This time of year can be really tough for the adults in schools too.
Even with all the stress that comes this time of year, there are ways we can help students and ourselves navigate the season with a little more ease. Small, intentional actions can make a big difference.
Finding Support and Focusing on the Positives
- Keep some routines in place: Even a few predictable moments each day like a regular check-in or quiet reading time can help students feel grounded.
- Offer extra emotional support: Listening, validating feelings, and checking in individually can help kids feel seen and safe, especially if home life feels uncertain.
- Celebrate small wins and joys: Not everything has to be big or perfect. A kind word, a shared story, or a simple classroom tradition can lift spirits for both students and staff.
- Encourage self-care for adults:Teachers, counselors, and administrators are models for the kids they serve. Taking time to rest, connect with loved ones, or just pause and breathe is essential.
- Lean on community resources: Holiday programs, school counselors, mental health professionals, and local organizations can help provide support when families need it most.
A Season for Compassion and Connection
From where I sit as a school counselor, the holidays can be a time of pressure, but they can also be a time for connection, reflection, and kindness. Every student’s experience looks different, and by approaching this season with empathy, understanding, and a little extra patience, we can help them and ourselves navigate the ups and downs. When we celebrate small moments of joy, offer structure and support, and slow down to check in, we can finish the year with a sense of calm, confidence, and hope.
So take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and lean into the magic of these moments.
You’ve got this. You're exactly who your students need. ❤️
