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What Do I Tell My Kids About Santa? Tips for Tough Conversations
With Christmas right around the corner, I have found myself having this conversation with multiple clients recently. “How do I explain Santa to my literal child with Autism?” “I don’t want to lie to my child who has experienced trauma, but I also want to keep the magic of Christmas alive for them.” “My child is afraid of Santa, how do I navigate that in my house where other children still believe?” There are no hard rules when it comes to Christmas “magic,” and I encourage everyone to think about what is best for the children in their household, even if it doesn’t look like the Hallmark movies. Below are…
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Rediscovering Joy When the Holidays Feel Hard
Driving through town the other evening, I noticed the first wave of holiday lights making their appearance. Wreaths on doors. Inflatable snowmen staked proudly into front yards. And on one home, tall, wooden letters spelling out the word JOY lit up in bright white bulbs. It was beautiful. Cheerful. Festive. And yet, as I kept driving, something inside me sank a little. Because earlier that same day, in conversations I had and stories I heard, like so many of us do in the mental health field, the theme was heavy. Someone grieving their first holiday without a loved one. A parent facing financial strain that makes gift-giving stressful. People navigating…
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Peace Over Perfect: A Different Way to Do the Holidays
The holidays are, for many, “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many people, they are also the most stressful. Money worries, family tension, crowded schedules, and high expectations can all pile up. If you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or even a little numb during the holidays, you are not alone—and it does not mean something is wrong with you. Here are some simple, realistic ways to manage stress and find a little more peace during the holidays. 5 Ways to Bring More Peace Into Your Holidays This Year 1. Lower the Bar A lot of holiday stress comes from trying to make everything “perfect.” Perfect gifts, perfect house,…
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Finding the Gift in Life: A Holiday Reminder of Gratitude
I’ll be honest. This time of year can be hard for many. Whether it’s navigating the holidays after the loss of a loved one or feeling the pressure to do it all—buying the perfect gifts, hosting ideal gatherings, and decorating like the Griswolds—the season meant for connection can quickly turn into a pressure cooker of stress and emotions. Shifting Our Perspective Lately, I’ve been reminded that no matter what we’re facing, life itself is a gift. Yet, when the weight of expectations piles up, it’s easy to lose sight of that. In our world of instant gratification and constant distraction—where our phones are buzzing with notifications—it’s harder than ever to…
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3 Expert Tips for Handling Holiday Financial Stress
Holiday time can bring a lot of joy but also a lot of stress. Thousands of people are shopping for the holidays. Many people enjoy the season and shopping. However, over half of the holiday shoppers will begin to feel financial stress during the holidays. According to APA’s 2024 Stress in America Survey, only 16% of adults said they do not experience stress during the holiday season. It is common to feel anxiety, stress, and sadness when you have little or no money and are expected to provide gifts for family members. Here are a few ways to manage stress due to spending during the holiday time. 3 Tips to…
