Helping children cope with the challenges & changes during the Holidays due to COVID-19

Sara Waters, Social Worker

December 8, 2020

The holidays are often a time for traditions and family gatherings but with the current pandemic those traditions and gatherings might look different this year. Children look forward to the joy, fun, and togetherness of the holiday season. With all the changes and challenges COVID 19 has brought. Joy, fun, and togetherness can still be present in this holiday season.

Tips for helping Children navigate the holiday season:
  • If in-person gatherings are not possible, schedule a virtual gathering. It’s the “togetherness” that the kids look forward to. Having a virtual gathering will still allow the children to see and “be” with their loved ones even if it’s not in-person.
  • Encourage new traditions this year. Have the children be involved in the planning.
  • Be open and honest about the holiday changes. Give the children honest information about the pandemic and its impact on the holidays.
  • Allow children to express their feelings about the pandemic and what they will miss this year. (expression can be done through writing, drawing, music, and creative outlets)
  • Encourage children to practice gratitude. Practicing gratitude has been shown to help kids be resilient through tough times and experience more positive emotions.
Activities for children to do this holiday season:
  • Start a gratitude journal. Have your child write a sentence or draw a picture of something they are grateful for each day.
  • Make “thanks” calls. Make a list of people the children can call and have them thank family members and friends for something kind they have done for them.
  • Send virtual care packages. Photos and videos can be shared with family members throughout the holiday season to help stay connected.
  • Homemade holiday cards.
  • Virtual movie night with family and friends.

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