The holiday season has a way of amplifying emotions. For some, it’s a time of warmth, connection, and celebration. But for many students, it can surface feelings of sadness, stress, or isolation. How can educators and leaders recognize and address these complexities? How can they extend meaningful support during what’s often framed as the “happiest time of the year”? And how can schools address the root causes of these challenges?
The Underlying Causes: Why the Holidays Aren’t Always Merry
We often romanticize the holidays, but the glossy image doesn’t reflect every student’s reality. Some are navigating the loss of a loved one, while others face financial struggles that make festivities feel out of reach. For students in unstable or unsupportive home environments, extended time away from school can heighten feelings of disconnection and anxiety. Additionally, cultural differences in how holidays are celebrated—or not celebrated at all—can further complicate students’ experiences.
Interestingly, the “holiday blues” don’t always stem from obvious hardships. While some students face clear struggles like financial instability or family issues, others in seemingly stable environments can also feel the weight of the season. Unmet expectations, disrupted routines, and the chaos of the holidays often contribute to low mood. As Dr. Nadine Kaslow, a professor at Emory University, explains, the holidays can take a psychological toll even on those who outwardly appear to be doing well. (Emory University) Social media can exacerbate this toll, amplifying pressures of comparison and feelings of inadequacy or loneliness.
The Role of Schools: More Than Academics
Schools are more than academic institutions—they’re communities. They serve as safe havens for students who lack support elsewhere.
Creating this sanctuary requires intention and proactive planning. Recognizing the diverse experiences of students is a crucial first step in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that leads to a sense of belonging.
Research from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) highlights the importance of connection and emotional safety in schools. (CASEL) When students feel seen and valued, they’re better equipped to manage emotional challenges, including those amplified during the holidays.
Building these connections doesn’t always require grand gestures. Simple initiatives like peer-led discussions or holiday-neutral celebrations can have a significant impact. Schools that adopt inclusive traditions help every student feel they belong, regardless of personal or cultural backgrounds. Moreover, fostering peer support networks and building trust between students and teachers can create lasting bonds that help students navigate challenging times.
Strategies for Supporting Student Mental Health
Concrete, actionable strategies are key to addressing student wellness during this time. Here are a few evidence-based approaches schools can implement:
- Launch or Expand Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs: SEL programs provide students with tools to manage their emotions, build empathy, and foster healthy relationships. These skills are particularly important during the emotionally charged holiday season. Activities encouraging self-expression and stress management can make a profound difference.
The CDC suggests incorporating SEL into everyday curricula to normalize conversations about mental health and emotional regulation. (CDC) - Offer Access to Mental Health Resources: Having a school counselor isn’t enough if students don’t know how to access their support. Leaders should ensure students are aware of available resources and encourage staff to proactively reach out to those who seem withdrawn or struggling. Schools might also consider partnering with local mental health organizations to expand services. Additionally, solutions like Gaggle Therapy and Gaggle ReachOut can provide critical support even during nights, weekends, and over the holidays, ensuring students have access to licensed therapists and crisis counselors when they need it most.
- Train Staff to Identify Warning Signs: Educators are often the first line of defense for student well-being. Professional development focused on recognizing signs of anxiety, depression, or stress equips teachers with tools to intervene early. A culture of vigilance and care can make interventions more effective and less stigmatizing for students.
- Build a Culture of Empathy: Beyond formal programs, schools can nurture a culture where kindness and understanding are embedded in daily interactions. Initiatives like gratitude walls, kindness challenges, or journaling exercises where students reflect on positive memories foster emotional resilience and a sense of community.
Reframing the Holidays: A Collective Effort
Addressing the holiday blues isn’t solely about interventions—it’s about creating environments that feel stable and nurturing year-round. This reframing requires collective effort from district leaders, school staff, parents, and the broader community. Working together ensures students receive consistent, compassionate support.
For example, some schools partner with local organizations to provide holiday meals or gifts for families in need, reducing stress for struggling households. Others create mentorship programs pairing students with caring adults who offer guidance and encouragement during difficult times. Schools might also host workshops for parents on supporting their children’s mental health during the holidays.
But the work doesn’t stop there. As we rethink how schools approach student wellness, we might ask: Are we doing enough to make campuses feel like second homes? Are we attuned to the nuanced ways the holiday season affects each student, beyond visible struggles? How can we create an environment that proactively prevents these challenges from escalating?
A Quiet Thought to End On
The holiday blues aren’t something we can solve overnight, nor are sad feelings unique to this time of year. But perhaps the most meaningful thing we can do is to remind students—through actions, words, and systems—that they are never truly alone. Every step, no matter how small, contributes to a more supportive and understanding school environment.
As the season unfolds, what small act could you take to make one student feel seen? Perhaps the answer lies in the everyday gestures that transform schools from places of learning into true havens of care and connection.
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