Holiday Emotional Rollercoaster Activity

Objective: To identify common holiday scenarios and explore the range of emotions and expectations they can evoke.

Instructions:

1. Work in your small groups (3-4 students).
2. Read each holiday scenario below.
3. For each scenario, discuss:
   • What are some emotions you might feel in this situation? (e.g., joy, sadness, anger, excitement, disappointment, stress, gratitude)
   • What expectations might people have in this situation? (e.g., expecting a specific gift, perfect family harmony, a lot of free time)
   • How might these expectations impact your feelings?
4. Be ready to share your group's thoughts with the class!

Scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Surprise Gift

You really wanted a new video game console for the holidays. You dropped hints, you circled it in catalogs, you even dreamed about it! On the big day, you open a gift, and it's a new board game. It looks fun, but it's definitely not what you wanted.

Emotions:

Expectations:

Impact of Expectations:

Scenario 2: The Family Gathering

Your extended family is coming over for a big holiday meal. Last year, your cousins argued, and your aunt asked you a lot of questions about your grades. You're looking forward to seeing some relatives, but also feeling a bit anxious about the day.

Emotions:

Expectations:

Impact of Expectations:

Scenario 3: Holiday Break Plans

You imagined your holiday break filled with sleeping in, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. But your parents have planned a trip to visit a distant relative, and you have to help with chores and babysit your younger siblings most days.

Emotions:

Expectations:

Impact of Expectations:

Scenario 4: The Perfect Picture

You see all your friends posting amazing pictures of their decorated homes, their perfect holiday outfits, and all the fun things they're doing. You start to feel like your own holidays aren't as good or as exciting.

Emotions:

Expectations:

Impact of Expectations:

My Holiday Expectations Worksheet

Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________

The holidays can bring a lot of different feelings and ideas about what "should" happen. This worksheet will help you think about your own expectations and how to manage them.

Part 1: My Holiday Hopes

1. What are you most looking forward to this holiday season? (Be specific!)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What are some things you are expecting to happen? (Think about gifts, family, food, activities, free time, etc.)

   • Gifts:
     
     
     
   • Family Gatherings:
     
     
     
   • Free Time/Activities:
     
     
     
   • Other:
     
     
     

Part 2: Reality Check & Emotions

3. Is it possible that some of your expectations might not happen exactly as you imagine? Why or why not?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. If an expectation isn't met (e.g., you don't get the gift you wanted, a family event is different than planned), what are some emotions you might feel?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Strategies for Harmony

5. How can you manage your feelings if things don't go exactly as you expected during the holidays? (Think about communicating, taking a break, focusing on positives, etc.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Who can you talk to if you're feeling overwhelmed, disappointed, or stressed during the holidays?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. What is one small thing you can do to contribute to a positive and harmonious holiday experience for yourself and others?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Harmony Habits Discussion Guide

Objective: To reinforce strategies for emotional regulation and communication during the holiday season and encourage mindful reflection.

Instructions:
Use these prompts to facilitate a class discussion after completing the Holiday Emotional Rollercoaster Activity and the My Holiday Expectations Worksheet. Encourage students to share their insights and experiences in a respectful and empathetic environment.

Discussion Prompts:

1. Reflecting on Expectations:

   • "After completing the worksheet, what was one expectation you realized you might have that you hadn't thought about before?"
   • "Why is it sometimes hard when our expectations don't match reality during the holidays?"

2. Communicating Feelings:

   • "If you're feeling disappointed about a gift, what are some respectful ways you could express that feeling, or should you express it at all?"
   • "How can you communicate your needs or feelings to family members if you're feeling overwhelmed during a gathering?"

3. Being Flexible & Adapting:

   • "The holidays often involve changes in routine. What's one way you can practice flexibility if your plans change unexpectedly?"
   • "Can anyone share a time when a holiday plan didn't work out, but something positive came from it anyway?"

4. Practicing Gratitude:

   • "Beyond gifts, what are some things you are truly grateful for during the holiday season?"
   • "How can focusing on gratitude help shift your perspective if you're feeling down?"

5. Self-Care During the Holidays:

   • "Why is it important to take time for yourself, even when there's a lot going on?"
   • "What are some simple self-care activities you can do if you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed?"

6. Giving Grace to Others (and Yourself):

   • "During busy or stressful times, people might act differently. What does it mean to 'give grace' to others during the holidays?"
   • "How can you be kind to yourself if you make a mistake or don't feel perfectly 'happy' all the time?"

7. Creating Your Own Harmony:

   • "What is the most important 'harmony habit' you want to try practicing this holiday season?"
   • "How can practicing these habits help you have a more positive holiday experience overall?"