Finding holiday happiness

Holiday happiness: How to model balance and joy for your kids

The holidays are here. 

And if you’re already feeling pulled in a million directions, take a moment right now: Breathe in…breathe out. Close your eyes and do it again. Relax your jaw, roll your shoulders, squeeze your hands into fists, and then release. 

Feel a little lighter? Congratulations! You just practiced a tool that helps you stay present and calm, even in the chaos.

Being present isn’t just good for you, it’s a gift for your child, too. Kids watch, absorb, and imitate how you handle stress. This season, showing them how to stay balanced, joyful, and grounded is more valuable than any perfectly wrapped gift.

Not everyone experiences the holidays the same way. For some, December is festive, full of fun, and jam-packed with events. For others, it can feel stressful, lonely, or heavy with challenging memories, or worries about money, grief, or what the new year will bring.

Whatever your situation, your goal is the same: stay grounded, so your child can feel secure and supported. Here are three ways to start today:

1. Tap the brakes

Slow down anytime with a simple grounding exercise: breathe, tense, release, shake it out. These little moments of pause give you space to respond instead of react.

2. Make a list — of feelings, not tasks

Forget your to-do list for a moment. Ask yourself: how do I want to feel this season? Pick your top three. Want more laughter? Cue a comedy or tickle session. Craving calm? Turn off the news and play soothing music. Love baking? Preheat the oven, and then let the yeasty, cinnamon scent fill your home. Do what sparks joy, unapologetically.

3. Take a time-out

Quiet time works for kids and adults alike. Even a few minutes alone (in the car, the bathroom, or let’s be real, the closet) can help you reset and show up for your family in a calmer, more present way.

Here’s the biggest reminder: nothing — not a schedule, a family dinner, or even you — has to be perfect to be meaningful. The real gift is showing your kids how to enjoy, appreciate, and navigate life’s ups and downs with balance.