The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also bring stress, whether from gift shopping, travel plans, or juggling too many events. While adults often feel the weight of the season’s expectations, kids—often unintentionally—hold the key to reducing holiday stress. Here’s how children can be a surprising source of calm and joy during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
1. Embrace the Magic of the Season
Kids naturally approach the holidays with excitement and wonder. Their enthusiasm for decorating the tree or counting down to special days reminds us to slow down and savor the moments. By seeing the season through their eyes, we’re invited to step back and focus on the joy and the to-do lists.
2. Laughing All The Way…
Kids have a knack for making us laugh—whether it’s a silly joke or a lighthearted game. Laughter has been shown to reduce stress hormones and promote relaxation. During the holiday season, children often create opportunities for humor that can lift the spirits of even the most stressed-out adults. (Yoga can help with that, too!)
3. Practice Gratitude Always
Children often have an uncomplicated sense of gratitude, appreciating the simple joys of the season, whether it’s a favorite holiday treat or spending time with loved ones. Practicing gratitude together helps refocus attention on the positive aspects of the holidays and alleviates the pressure of “perfect” celebrations.
4. Help Others Together
Sometimes, giving back is the best way to feel good during the holidays. Children can help with holiday projects, like donating toys and clothes, volunteering at community events, and assisting others in reducing stress by shifting their focus away from materialism and creating a sense of fulfillment and connection.
We hope one or more of these tips helps you slow down, prioritize, and connect while getting things done on your holiday list. Remember to take a breath, two, three, or ten! And maybe book a holiday private yoga session for your family.
A note about gift giving…When it comes to gifting experiences, one of the best presents you can give a child is the gift of yoga. Yoga offers a treasure trove of benefits for children, from physical health to mental well-being, and it’s something they can carry with them for life. Whether it’s a yoga mat, a class voucher, or an online session, yoga encourages kids to connect with their bodies, minds, and hearts in a fun, creative way.
