ST RICT LY T WEENS
Counselor’s Corner
Holiday Blues...
This is just a reminder that the holidays are a very difficult time for many
people. While some people are in a state of frenzied excitement over the
holiday fun, others are dealing with extremely difficult feelings.
Thanksgiving and Christmas are traditionally a family time, but many people
are estranged or have dysfunctional relationships with their families, or have
suffered the loss of a loved one. The rejection and hurt that they feel on a
daily basis becomes magnified during holidays, birthdays, and other special
occasions. For children who have difficult home and family situations, it is
normal to see an increase in anger, sadness, and/or acting out behaviors
during the holiday season. These children may be irritable and may become
more physically and verbally aggressive than usual.
Also, for children whose families are having a hard time financially, the hol-
idays can be very difficult. It is exciting for many children to talk about their
Christmas wish lists, but many students know that they will not be receiving
as much as others. This can create some of the same feelings of anger and
sadness.
So… if you are wondering why a friend or a fellow classmate is having a
particularly bad week or month, chances are it’s the holiday blues. Bear with
your friends and fellow classmates when possible, and show them a little
more grace than usual.
Cassidy Spaeder
Guidance Counselor