The holidays can be wonderful, but they can also be a lot. For some young people, this time of year brings small moments they genuinely look forward to, time off school, familiar routines, or being around people who feel steady. For others, the season feels heavier: emotions run high, routines shift, and not every home feels calm or predictable. Many young people feel all of this at once.
At Partners for Youth, we hear this mix every year. Youth talk about excitement and anticipation, and in the same breath they share worries about family conflict, complicated relationships, holiday expectations or the absence of someone important. For many families, financial strain adds another layer, tighter budgets, fewer resources, and the quiet stress of wanting to create a good holiday with limited means. The holidays don’t erase those feelings; they often bring them closer to the surface.
One of the most helpful things we can remind young people of during this season is that mixed feelings are completely normal. You can enjoy parts of the holidays and still find other parts hard. You can feel grateful and overwhelmed at the same time. You can want connection and also need space. These emotions can exist side by side without cancelling each other out.
- Here are a few simple grounding ideas that might help:
Take things one moment at a time. You don’t have to “get the holidays right.” Focus on what’s in front of you. - Look for small steadying routines. A walk, journaling, a favourite show, or checking in with someone you trust can help bring your nervous system back to level.
- Set gentle boundaries when you need them. It’s okay to take a break from noise or tension, even for a few minutes.
- Reach out if you’re struggling. Sometimes talking to a trusted adult, teacher, friend, or community worker is enough to feel grounded again.
- Notice the moments that feel good. They don’t have to be big. Small pockets of comfort can carry you farther than you think.
If there’s one message we hope young people hear this season, it’s this:
You’re allowed to feel the full mix of emotions the holidays can bring. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to ask for support. And you’re allowed to show up exactly as you are.
For many, the holidays are a blend of comfort and challenge. What matters most is that youth feel seen, safe, and supported, during this season and throughout the entire year.