This Holiday Season, Let's Lower the Temperature

The holiday season traditionally symbolizes comfort, joy, and togetherness. Yet for many families, this year arrives against a backdrop of unprecedented strain. Ongoing political division, global conflicts, economic uncertainty, and the constant influx of digital news alerts are weighing heavily on households across the nation. While adults feel the pressure, children often absorb it even more deeply.

Recent national surveys indicate that the current political climate is a significant source of stress for many Americans. Rising prices, future uncertainty, safety concerns, and the unrelenting pace of social and mass media have left adults feeling overwhelmed. At the same time, teenagers are logging record levels of daily screen time, frequently exposed to unfiltered content filled with negativity, aggression, and conflict. When adult stress intersects with heightened expectations for "perfect" holiday gatherings, children internalize that tension.

Growing research including studies conducted by the authors shows widespread increases in depression, anxiety, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion during the holiday season. Many teens report intensified anxiety, sleep disturbances, and challenges with motivation and mood. Financial strain also looms large, adding pressure when gift-giving becomes an obligation rather than an expression of joy. Additionally, recent years have brought a rising concern over strained family interactions fueled by social or political disagreements, which compounds already high levels of economic stress. As a result, holiday stress has evolved into more than a seasonal inconvenience.

However, families can actively create calmer, healthier, and more supportive celebrations. The authors offer several evidence-based strategies:

Reduce digital overload.
The average teen spends nearly nine hours per day on entertainment media, with adults close behind. Establishing tech-free periods during meals or family time can provide a much-needed mental reset.

Set realistic financial boundaries.
This is not the year for overspending. Simple, honest discussions about household budgets and spending limits can prevent unnecessary pressure. When adults model realism, children adopt the same mindset.

Reconnect with meaningful traditions.
Shared activities such as baking, decorating, volunteering, or taking evening walks strengthen bonds and create long-lasting memories without incurring financial strain. Research consistently shows that shared time, not spending, drives emotional well-being.

Repair relationships when possible.
The holidays present a rare opportunity to reach out to aging parents, grandparents, or distant relatives who may be more isolated than they express themselves. Small gestures, such as a phone call or handwritten note, can reopen lines of communication and reduce long-standing tension.

Model calm to create calm.
Children look to adults for cues. When adults acknowledge challenges without catastrophizing, they teach resilience and emotional regulation.

Prioritize healthy habits.
Families should collectively address behaviors that threaten physical or mental health, including unmanaged stress, inadequate sleep, poor diet, inactivity, and substance use. Preventing avoidable health issues reduces strain on the entire household.

Check in with the youth genuinely.
Ask open-ended questions and listen attentively. Reinforce that home is a safe space to discuss concerns about school, relationships, the future, or broader world events.

Although the holidays will not erase the tensions of the past year, they can offer a meaningful chance to reset household dynamics. By approaching this season with intention rather than expectation, families can reclaim their purpose and foster a healthier environment, one that may be especially vital at a time when national stress levels remain elevated. With mindfulness, connection, and optimism, people can achieve a better quality of life.

Media Contact
Name: Jagdish Khubchandani
Email: jagdish.khubchandani@gmail.com
Website: https://publichealth.nmsu.edu/about-us/faculty-directory/faculty/jagdish-khubchandani.html
Address: New Mexico, USA

About the Author
Jagdish Khubchandani, Ph.D., is a Professor of Public Health at New Mexico State University. His research focuses on population health, mental health trends, behavioral risk factors, and social determinants of health across diverse communities. He has authored more than 200 scientific publications and collaborates widely with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and global health institutions. His work is frequently cited in national media outlets and used to inform public health policy and community wellness initiatives.

Marc Ransford is the founder of MR Public Relations, a strategic communications firm based in Indianapolis. With extensive experience in public affairs, media relations, and crisis communication, he has supported universities, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and corporate clients in strengthening their public voice. His work centers on helping organizations communicate complex issues clearly and effectively, particularly in areas related to education, health, and community engagement.

This release was published on openPR.