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Managing Holiday Emotions

Courtney Jackson

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Managing Holiday Emotions

Explore holiday emotional complexities

In this lesson, high school students will explore the emotional complexities that can arise during the holiday season. Through discussions and personal reflection activities, they will identify feelings and stressors, and learn coping strategies to maintain emotional balance. This lesson is important as it helps students recognize and manage their emotions during a time that can be both joyful and stressful, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

Audience

Students in Grade 9-12

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Explore holiday emotional complexities

Materials

Discussion Questions, Reflection Worksheet, Coping Strategies Handout, and Pens and Paper

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief introduction about the holiday season and its potential emotional impact.
  • Explain the purpose of the lesson: to explore emotions and learn coping strategies.

Step 2

Group Discussion

10 minutes

  • Use the provided discussion questions to facilitate a conversation about common emotions during the holidays.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences.

Step 3

Personal Reflection

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Reflection Worksheet.
  • Ask students to individually reflect on their own holiday experiences and emotions.
  • Allow time for students to write down their thoughts.

Step 4

Coping Strategies

15 minutes

  • Hand out the Coping Strategies Handout.
  • Discuss various strategies to manage holiday stress and emotions.
  • Encourage students to think about which strategies might work best for them.

Step 5

Closure

5 minutes

  • Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson.
  • Invite students to share any final thoughts or questions.
  • Encourage students to apply the coping strategies during the holiday season.
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Discussion

Discussion Questions: Holiday Emotions

A set of questions to guide a discussion on the emotional complexities of the holiday season.

What emotions do you typically experience during the holiday season?

Encourage students to think about both positive and negative emotions.







What are some common stressors during the holidays?

Guide students to consider factors like family dynamics, financial pressures, and social expectations.







How do you usually cope with holiday stress?

Prompt students to share personal coping mechanisms and discuss their effectiveness.







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Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet: Holiday Emotions

A worksheet for students to reflect on their personal holiday experiences and emotions.

Describe a memorable holiday experience and the emotions you felt.








Identify a holiday stressor you have faced and how you dealt with it.

Think about a specific situation and your response.







List three emotions you associate with the holiday season.








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Reading

Coping Strategies Handout

A handout providing various strategies to manage holiday stress and emotions.

Coping Strategies for Holiday Emotions

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice being present and mindful to reduce stress.
  • Time Management: Plan and prioritize activities to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Healthy Boundaries: Set limits with family and friends to protect your emotional well-being.
  • Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise to boost mood and reduce stress.
  • Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a counselor if you're feeling overwhelmed.
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