lenny

The Holiday Huddle

user image

Lesson Plan

The Holiday Huddle

Equip students with emotional coping skills to navigate social situations with confidence and maintain their well-being during the holiday season.

The holiday season can be a wonderful time, but it also presents unique social and emotional challenges. This lesson helps students develop strategies to manage family dynamics, set healthy boundaries, and cope with a range of feelings, ensuring a more positive experience for themselves and those around them.

Audience

Middle and High School Students (adaptable for Upper Elementary)

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, activities, and reflection, students will explore coping strategies.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Slide Deck: Holiday Huddle Helper, Markers or pens, Worksheet: My Holiday Huddle Plan, Activity: Holiday Scenario Cards (Optional: printed and cut out), and Discussion Guide: Festive Feelings & Family Dynamics

Prep

Review Materials & Setup

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Begin by displaying the title slide of the Slide Deck: Holiday Huddle Helper.
  • Ask students: "What comes to mind when you think about the holiday season?" (Allow for a few quick responses – both positive and potentially challenging).
  • Introduce the lesson: "Today, we're going to create our 'Holiday Huddle Plan' – a set of strategies to help us navigate the social and emotional side of the holidays, so we can feel more prepared and confident."
  • Transition to Slide 2: "More than just presents!"

Step 2

Exploring Festive Feelings & Family Dynamics (15 minutes)

15 minutes

Step 3

Setting Healthy Boundaries & Coping Strategies (15 minutes)

15 minutes

  • Transition to Slide Deck: Holiday Huddle Helper (Slides 6-8) to discuss the importance of healthy boundaries and introduce practical coping strategies.
  • Explain what healthy boundaries look like (e.g., saying no politely, taking a break).
  • Brainstorm coping strategies as a class (e.g., deep breathing, listening to music, talking to a trusted adult, journaling).
  • Emphasize that it's okay to feel different emotions and that having a plan helps.

Step 4

My Holiday Huddle Plan (15 minutes)

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Worksheet: My Holiday Huddle Plan to each student.
  • Explain that this worksheet is their personal toolkit for the holidays.
  • Guide students through completing the worksheet, prompting them to think about their own family dynamics, potential challenges, and preferred coping strategies.
  • Circulate and offer individual support as students work.

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Share (5 minutes)

5 minutes

lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

The Holiday Huddle:

Navigating Family & Festive Feelings

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear 'holidays' and 'feelings'.

More Than Just Presents!

Understanding the Emotional Side of the Holidays

  • Family gatherings
  • Changing routines
  • Different expectations

Explain that holidays are more than just gifts and celebrations; they involve a lot of emotions and social interactions.

What Feelings Bubble Up?

Common Holiday Emotions

  • Joy & Excitement
  • Stress & Overwhelm
  • Gratitude & Connection
  • Loneliness & Sadness
  • Frustration & Annoyance

Ask students to brainstorm feelings, both positive and challenging. Validate all responses.

Family Dynamics: A Mixed Bag?

Every Family is Unique!

  • Different traditions
  • Different personalities
  • New or old conflicts

How do these make you feel?

Discuss how every family is unique and that understanding this can help manage expectations.

Reality Check: Not Always a Hallmark Movie

What are some common holiday scenarios?

  • Dealing with tricky questions from relatives.
  • Feeling overwhelmed by too many activities.
  • Missing someone who isn't there.
  • Having different opinions than family members.

Emphasize that it's normal for dynamics to change over time or be different from what's seen in media.

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Why are boundaries important?

  • Protect Your Energy: Avoid feeling drained.
  • Respect Your Feelings: Acknowledge what you need.
  • Maintain Relationships: Clear boundaries can prevent misunderstandings.

Introduce the concept of boundaries as a way to protect one's well-being.

Boundaries in Action

What can you say or do?

  • "I need to take a quick break."
  • "Thanks for asking, but I'm not comfortable discussing that."
  • "I appreciate the offer, but I'm going to pass this time."
  • Physically stepping away or engaging with someone else.

Provide concrete examples of boundaries and prompt students to think about how they might apply them.

Your Coping Toolkit

Strategies for Managing Festive Feelings

  • Deep Breathing & Mindfulness
  • Listen to Music
  • Talk to a Trusted Adult/Friend
  • Go for a Walk
  • Journaling
  • Engage in a Hobby

Brainstorm and list various coping strategies with students. Encourage them to find what works best for them.

You've Got This!

Your Holiday Huddle Plan will help you navigate the season with confidence and calm.

Happy Holidays!

End on a positive and empowering note, encouraging students to use their new 'Huddle Plan'.

lenny

Activity

Holiday Scenario Cards

Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario. Discuss how you might feel in each situation and what strategies you could use to navigate it effectively. Be prepared to share your thoughts with the class.

Scenario 1: The Gift Gaffe

Your Aunt Sally gives you a sweater that is two sizes too big and a color you would never wear. She beams, "I knitted it just for you! It took me weeks!"

How might you feel?





What could you say or do?





Scenario 2: The Probing Questions

Your Uncle Bob asks, "So, what are your grades looking like this year? Have you thought about what college you're going to? Are you dating anyone yet?"

How might you feel?





What could you say or do?





Scenario 3: The Sibling Squabble

During a family game night, your younger sibling gets upset and accuses you of cheating, even though you were playing fairly. They start to cry loudly, drawing everyone's attention.

How might you feel?





What could you say or do?





Scenario 4: The Overwhelming Party

You're at a large family gathering, and the house is packed with people, loud music, and constant chatter. You start to feel overwhelmed and a bit anxious.

How might you feel?





What could you say or do?





Scenario 5: Missing Loved Ones

It's the first holiday season without a close family member who recently moved far away or passed away. You find yourself feeling sad and missing them throughout the day.

How might you feel?





What could you say or do?





lenny
lenny

Worksheet

My Holiday Huddle Plan

Instructions: Use this worksheet to create your personal "Huddle Plan" for navigating the holiday season. Think about potential situations and strategies that will help you feel calm and confident.

1. What are you looking forward to this holiday season?







2. What are some potential challenges you anticipate?

(Think about family dynamics, social situations, feelings, or changes in routine.)







3. My Personal Coping Strategies

(What can you do when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, sad, or frustrated?)

  • Strategy 1:


  • Strategy 2:


  • Strategy 3:


4. Setting Healthy Boundaries

(What are some things you might say or do if someone asks a personal question, or if you need a break?)

  • Boundary Statement 1:


  • Boundary Action 1:


  • Boundary Statement 2:


  • Boundary Action 2:


5. Who is in your "Support Huddle"?

(List trusted adults or friends you can talk to if you need support.)







6. My Holiday Mantra or Affirmation

(A short phrase to remind yourself to stay calm and confident.)







lenny
lenny
The Holiday Huddle • Lenny Learning