Holiday Emotions
Name one emotion people commonly feel during the holidays besides happiness
Examples: stress, excitement, sadness, frustration, hopefulness
Give one example of a random act of kindness you can do at school this week.
Holding a door, complimenting someone, helping clean up.
This coping skill means taking a short break when holiday activities start to feel like too much.
Taking a break
When you look at someone’s face and listen carefully while they talk, you are showing this important communication skill
Active listening
A classmate receives a gift and you don’t. What would you do?
Congratulate them, manage jealousy, express feelings appropriately.
What's one physical sign that you might be feeling overwhelmed?
Rapid heartbeat, headaches, irritability, feeling tired
True or false: Kindness only counts if the other person notices it.
False
Writing or drawing about your feelings during the holidays is an example of this coping skill.
Journaling
During a holiday party, your friend seems upset but doesn’t say anything. What is a kind way to respond?
Asking them if they are okay or offering to listen
Your friend seems sad before winter break. What could you say?
“Are you okay?” “I’m here to talk if you want.”
Why might someone feel lonely during the holidays?
Missing loved ones, being away from family, social pressure, comparing themselves to others.
What’s something you can give during the holidays that costs $0 but means a lot?
Time, help, a handwritten note, encouragement.
When you feel frustrated, squeezing a stress ball or doing wall push-ups helps your body calm down using this type of coping skill.
A physical coping skill
Give a holiday-themed compliment you could tell someone.
“Your sweater is awesome!” or “I love how kind you’ve been lately.”
A family event gets canceled and you’re frustrated. What do you do?
Use coping strategies, talk it out, suggest alternatives.
What is emotional regulation?
The ability to understand and manage your feelings.
Why is empathy important during holiday season?
It helps us understand others’ experiences and be more supportive.
This coping skill helps when family gatherings feel overwhelming by finding a quiet space to relax for a few minutes.
Using a calm-down space?
You and a friend both want to choose the holiday game to play. How can you decide together without anyone feeling left out?
What is taking turns, compromising, or choosing together?
(accept: finding a solution together, making a fair choice)
You made a joke that accidentally hurt someone’s feelings. How do you handle it?
Apologize sincerely, ask how to make things right, avoid repeating it.
Describe a healthy way to express disappointment during a holiday event.
Using “I” statements, taking a break, talking calmly to someone you trust.
Describe a time when giving helped you feel better. Why?
Open-ended; students reflect on giving boosting happiness.
If holiday plans change and you feel upset, reminding yourself “I can handle this” is an example of this coping skill.
Positive self-talk
You notice a friend is always quiet at holiday events, even though they like the activities. What could you do to help them feel more comfortable?
Inviting them to join, asking what they enjoy, or checking in with them privately
You’re overwhelmed by school, events, and social plans. Walk through your self-care plan.
Break tasks down, set boundaries, ask for help, schedule downtime.