Are students still entering the so-called most wonderful time of the year? As youth transition into the season tied to our fondest childhood memories, over half of teens and young adults report that they find the holiday season stressful per Lifestance Health. Emme Garlinghouse ‘27 explained how high school marked a significant shift in her capacity for holiday spirit. She’s unable to fully participate in her favorite tradition – decorating her house. “For the last two years, my family and I have had to get a Christmas tree a few days before Christmas because we couldn’t find the time when we weren’t on winter break,” she said.
Mr. Abraham Carpio, a counselor at the prep, described how there’s a “general increase in pressure, both from academics and the stress, that comes with the holidays.” Students begin to fixate on the permanence of their semester grades while also facing stresses and family tensions typical of the season, inevitably left with less holiday cheer.
Finding balance during this time of year can feel impossible for students. “I feel like the only time I can get into the holiday spirit is when I finally get to winter break,” Garlinghouse said. “Before that, all I care about is finals and my grades.”
Carpio offers three strategies to achieve balance. First, he said to plan your breaks: “it doesn’t have to be all grinding until the last final is turned in. There are ways to incorporate breaks within your study time.” Devoting some time to sprinkle in something festive, such as watching a holiday movie on the weekend, is a healthy way to enjoy the full extent of this season.
Carpio also points to the forgotten roots of these beloved occasions: “the holidays tend to lose the aspect of gratitude, especially with consumerism and worries of buying the perfect gift.” While it’s easy to get swept up in these materialistic pressures, refocusing on the simplistic values behind these big days allows for greater enjoyment, even amidst stress.
Finally, Carpio mentioned sources of his own gratitude, “My partner is really good at encouraging breaks to manage stress and reminding me of all the joys of the holidays.” Surrounding yourself with those who help you find balance makes the season brighter and less intimidating.
Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to ease these layers of stress during the holiday season. By letting go of the expectations for a perfect season and trying to find a realistic balance, we can experience these beloved holidays in the present moment, grateful for the privilege to learn and be with those we love.
