Managing Holiday Stress

Written By: Krista Toomey, MSW

Holidays can bring joy, but also pressure, including extra expenses, family tensions, packed schedules, and high expectations. These stressors can feel especially heavy for parents navigating concerns about their teen’s mental health or substance use.

Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress:

• Prioritize routines and boundaries to keep predictability in place.
• Let go of perfection, focus on connection, not performance.
• Take time to breathe, rest, and say “no” when needed.

Give yourself permission to simplify the season. Focus on what matters most: meaningful connections, moments of peace, and activities that uplift rather than overwhelm. Teens benefit from seeing that adults can set boundaries, manage stress, and stay emotionally present, even during busy or difficult times.

If the stress is becoming overwhelming or impacting family communication, consider reaching out for support. California Youth Services offers family-centered counseling programs, including the JADE Program and Pathways counseling, that help teens and parents navigate stress, improve emotional regulation, and build healthier coping tools. Having a neutral, supportive professional during high-stress times, such as the holidays, can make a significant difference in how families connect and move forward together.