Holiday Hues Reflection Worksheet

Name: ________________________

Part 1: Exploring My Holiday Hues

1. What are three emotions you often feel during the holiday season? (Circle all that apply or add your own!)

   • Excited
   • Happy
   • Stressed
   • Tired
   • Hopeful
   • Anxious
   • Lonely
   • Grateful
   • Overwhelmed
   • Disappointed
   • Other: ____________________________

2. Describe a time during the holidays when you felt one of these emotions strongly. What happened?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What are some expectations you have for the upcoming holidays? (e.g., specific gifts, perfect family time, lots of fun activities, no homework)
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Have your holiday expectations ever been different from what actually happened? If so, how did that make you feel?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Strategies for Managing My Hues

5. Think about a time you felt stressed or disappointed during the holidays. How could you have communicated your feelings or needs to someone kindly and clearly? Write down what you might say.
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. List three things you are truly grateful for this holiday season (big or small!).

   1. ---

   2. ---

   3. ---

7. How does focusing on gratitude change how you feel when things are busy or not perfect?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: My Holiday Hues Plan

8. Based on today's lesson, what is ONE strategy (communication, gratitude, or another idea) you will try to use during the upcoming holidays to help manage your emotions and expectations? Explain how you will use it.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Holiday Hues Chat: Discussion Guide

Introduction (5 minutes)

• "Welcome back! Now that you've had a chance to reflect on your own 'holiday hues' with the worksheet, let's share some of our thoughts and insights as a group."
• "Remember, our classroom is a safe space for sharing. Let's practice active listening and be respectful of everyone's experiences."

Opening Questions (10 minutes)

• "Looking at your Worksheet: Holiday Hues Reflection, what was one emotion you identified that you didn't expect to feel during the holidays? Why do you think that emotion comes up for you?"
  
  
  
  
  
  
• "Can anyone share a holiday expectation they've had that turned out differently than they imagined? How did you react or feel in that moment?"
  
  
  
  
  
  

Deepening the Discussion (15 minutes)

• "Thinking about communication strategies, what's a small way you could practice speaking up about your feelings or needs to a family member or friend this holiday season?"
  Possible follow-up: "What makes it challenging to communicate sometimes? How can we overcome that?"
  
  
  
  
  
  
• "We talked about gratitude. What was one thing you wrote down that you are grateful for? How does focusing on that change your perspective when things get busy or stressful?"
  Possible follow-up: "How can we remember to practice gratitude even when we're feeling overwhelmed?"
  
  
  
  
  
  
• "Beyond communication and gratitude, what other personal strategies do you think might help you manage the 'holiday hues' and enjoy the season more?" (e.g., taking breaks, spending time in nature, helping others)
  
  
  
  
  
  

Wrap-Up and Takeaways (5 minutes)

• "Looking at your Holiday Hues Plan on the worksheet, what is one strategy you are committed to trying this holiday season? Share it with the group."
  
  
  
  
  
  
• "What is one main takeaway or new idea you gained from today's discussion that you'll remember?"
  
  
  
  
  
  
• "How can we support each other in navigating our 'holiday hues' and making this a more joyful and balanced time for everyone?"