10/29/2026
The holidays are still weeks away, but for a lot of kids and teens, anticipatory anxiety starts now.
Changed routines. Big family gatherings. Unspoken expectations. It is a lot, even when it is supposed to be fun.
A few ways to help now, before the season ramps up:
1. Talk through what to expect ahead of time
2. Give them permission to opt out of parts that feel like too much
3. Keep an eye out for excitement flipping into dread
Small steps now can make November and December easier.