Opinion & Entertainment

Impact of the Season on Children

Impact of the Season on Children

Every year, as the holidays approach, homes light up, schools let out, and expectations skyrocket. It is a time for joy and family. But beneath the tinsel there is a complex emotional landscape. The holiday season has profound developmental effects on children. The holidays shape childhood memories, develop social understanding, influence mental health, and relationships. The holidays serve as an emotional mirror of who we are and what we value.

Grief and Loss in the Holidays
Grief and Loss in the Holidays

Grief and Loss in the Holidays

I know that the death of family members during the holidays is very painful. I experienced losing my wife from the H1N1 flu in December of 2012. The sights and sounds that are about joy and love can reopen wounds rather than heal them. Grief and loss during the holidays can make the festive season feel unbearable. Coping with these emotions takes time and practice as we learn to live again.

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