In the Room: The Holidays: Coping Through the Season

For families of children who had or are living with a serious illness, the holiday season can be a mixed bag—one filled with joy, comfort, and love, but often also anxiety, sadness, and isolation. Holidays can intensify emotions, highlight the passage of time, and remind us of what was or what might never be, making even cherished traditions feel bittersweet. At the same time, they can offer opportunities for connection, reflection, and new ways of finding peace or joy through adapted rituals and shared experiences. 

Anticipating the holidays often brings its own emotional weight, but through honest conversation and mutual support, families can prepare for and navigate the season with greater understanding.

In this In the Room, members of the Network participate in a moderated discussion on the complex emotions that accompany significant days, discuss strategies for coping, and talk about the power of ritual and connection during the holiday season.

Learning objectives:

1. Recognize the unique emotional challenges holidays pose for families of children with serious illnesses.
2. Identify common triggers and pressures that may arise around holidays and special days.
3. Explore strategies for coping with emotional intensity, grief, and uncertainty during the season.
4. Discover how rituals—new or adapted—can offer comfort, meaning, or distraction.
5. Connect with others who share similar experiences, and learn ways to create space for both joy and sorrow during the holidays.