by Caroline Camarena, LSW

Tis the season, cold weather, twinkling lights, family gatherings, and endless lists of to-do’s. The holiday season is filled with joy, but for many parents, it also brings a unique kind of stress. December has a way of sneaking up on parents. One minute you’re enjoying fall weather, and the next you’re juggling holiday plans, school events, family gatherings, and a never-ending to-do list. And somewhere in the middle of it all sits the tiny, judgmental star of the season: the Elf on the Shelf!

For many parents, spreading holiday magic means staying up late after the kids are asleep, carefully plotting the elf’s next mischievous move. The payoff? Pure joy. There’s nothing quite like watching your child race out of bed in the morning, eager to see what the elf was up to overnight. Still, let’s be honest, it’s one more responsibility added to an already full plate.

The holidays often come with unspoken parenting pressures. Financial stress, unrealistic expectations, packed schedules, managing family dynamics, and disrupted routines can quickly lead to overwhelm. Social media doesn’t help either, constantly showcasing perfectly decorated homes and elaborate traditions that make it easy to feel like you’re falling short. The truth is, many parents feel stretched thin during this time of year, even while trying to make it magical.

Adding to the challenge, winter brings shorter days and less sunlight, which can affect mood and energy levels. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression linked to seasonal changes and can show up as persistent sadness, low motivation, increased sleep, changes in appetite, or loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy. When holiday stress and seasonal mood shifts collide, it can feel especially heavy.

So what helps? 

First, permission to let go of perfection. The holidays don’t have to look a certain way to be meaningful. Simplifying traditions, setting realistic expectations, sticking to a budget, and keeping basic routines, like bedtime, can go a long way in reducing stress. 

Just as important is making time for yourself. Therapy, getting outside when possible, increasing light exposure, and even vitamin D supplementation can support emotional well-being during the winter months.

At the end of the day, the real magic of the season isn’t found in perfectly executed traditions or a creatively placed elf. It lives in the quiet moments, shared laughter, cozy mornings, and feeling connected to the people you love. So if the elf forgets to move one night, give yourself some grace. You’re doing more than enough.

If the holiday season feels heavier than expected and you or your family could use extra support, our team is here to help, visit evolve-ps.com or call/text (973) 891-0793 to learn more.