The holidays often represent a break from the rigors of school and work life, but for many students, this time away from the classroom brings its own set of stressors. Final projects and exams loom on the horizon, but the chief concerns lie in the familial realm.
According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 poll, “nearly nine in 10 (89%) say that concerns such as not having enough money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause them stress at this time of year.” However, statistics vary from year-to-year. At the very least, the holidays do provide a unique type of stress that compounds pre-established concerns.
Coral Edwards, a Literary Studies student in the UVU English Department, is one of the many students who must balance her school life with the stress of the holiday season. In addition to her academic commitments, she simultaneously attends to her work duties and familial responsibilities. As a mother of 6, the stress of the holidays is something she?is all too familiar with.
Edwards stated in response to being asked about family holiday stress that, “Especially with a large family, there’s a lot of planning that goes into it, there’s also the feeling that I worry that the kids aren’t going to get along, that they’re not going to have a good time, or that they’re not going to connect in the way I would like them to.”
Traditionally, the holiday season caters towards familial connection, a sentiment that Edwards agrees with, yet she still seeks to mitigate the inevitable anxiety and stress that has often come to be associated with the season.
Edwards continued, “We’ve had to honestly ban certain topics, like no religion, no politics — we leave it at the door. Because [my family]?can get really into it, and I find that if we just take that off the table immediately that everybody seems to be calmer and has a better time.”
For families, the holiday pressures can be severe. Edwards, as a parent of college students, experiences stress as she tries to support her children emotionally and financially during this time. With the added complexities of managing travel logistics, gift-giving, and hosting holiday gatherings, the entire family dynamic can become something people are tempted to put on the back burner. But not for Edwards, “With working and going to school, I’ve had to say no to a lot of activities just so that I can focus on my own family. Because I don’t have as much time as I used to.”
Financial strain is another taxing concern during the holiday season. With the cost of travel, gifts, and social gatherings, some students find it difficult to meet their needs while contributing to family celebrations. Edwards, who has children who are also currently UVU students, posed that families, and students, should pick and choose their financial battles and not be afraid to turn down events or financial investments to maintain peace of mind. She extends this sentiment to the whole of the holiday season and stated, “don’t be afraid to put traditions to rest.”
Any students who are feeling overwhelmed are?encouraged to reach out for support, whether it’s through counseling services, peer support groups, or simply talking to friends and family about their struggles. Creating a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal well-being is essential to avoiding burnout.
It is recommended that students take proactive steps to reduce stress during the holiday season. Time management is key, as well as setting realistic expectations. By communicating openly about academic deadlines and holiday plans, students and their families can better navigate the holiday season.
Edwards encourages, “As we’re going into finals things are about to get really crazy with homework levels, and final papers and things like that, so I think it’s really important, through this month and next, to up your self-care, you know, make sure that you’re eating well and getting enough sleep. Even like a short walk for exercise or something can help bring those stress levels down a little bit.”
Ultimately, while the holidays can bring challenges, they also offer an opportunity to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with loved ones. By taking steps to manage stress and communicate openly, both college students and their families can enjoy the season without the weight of unnecessary pressures.
