The Gift of Being Present
Tips for Finding Stillness in a Busy Holiday Season
The holiday season in Marin County is a special time of year—crisp coastal air, walks at Bon Tempe or Tennessee Valley, twinkling downtown lights, school performances, and family gatherings. Yet even in this beautiful setting, the season can feel rushed, noisy, and overwhelming. Between packed schedules, financial pressures, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to find ourselves physically together but mentally elsewhere.
Being present with family during the holidays is a powerful and meaningful goal. In a digital world where communication often happens through screens, it takes intention to slow down, connect in person, and truly engage with loved ones. With the many social interactions and expectations of the season, presence can feel challenging or uncomfortable, yet it’s this mindful connection that strengthens bonds and fosters closeness. This season, we invite you to consider one of the most meaningful gifts you can offer your loved ones: your presence.
Below are a few gentle, realistic ways to help your family stay grounded, connected, and emotionally present during the busy holiday season:
Unplug—On Purpose
Encourage everyone (including parents) to put down electronic devices during designated family times. Create tech-free zones in your home, such as the dining table or living room. Even 15–30 minutes of undivided attention can help children and teens feel deeply seen and valued.
Make It Meaningful With Simple Traditions
Family traditions create lasting bonds that carry forward through generations. Share family recipes, teach your children how to prepare a favorite dish, decorate together, play board games, or take evening walks through your neighborhood. These moments don’t need to be elaborate to become meaningful—they become the memories that shape our children’s sense of connection and belonging.
Stay in the Moment
The holidays can quickly become overwhelming as we think about everything we still need to do. Practicing simple grounding skills—such as taking a few slow breaths, stepping outside for fresh air, or taking short breaks from high-stimulation situations—can help both adults and children regulate stress. Remind yourself to return to the moment you’re in, rather than racing ahead to the next task.
Share the Experience
Create opportunities for your family to work toward a shared goal. This might include volunteering together locally, making food for a neighbor, baking for a school event, or simply cooking, decorating, watching movies, or playing games together at home. These shared experiences deepen connection and create a strong sense of purpose and togetherness.
Express Yourself and Set Boundaries
Holiday stress builds quickly when we overextend ourselves. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to say, “No thank you,” or “I’m not able to commit to that right now.” If you need help, ask for it—others are often more willing to support than we expect. Modeling healthy boundaries teaches children that their needs matter too.
Be Realistic—Let Go of Perfect
The pressure to make everything “perfect” can take the joy right out of the season. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and avoid overscheduling. Messy kitchens, changed plans, and imperfect moments are often the most memorable ones.
Slow the Pace—Even Briefly
Marin offers so many natural opportunities to pause—watching the water at Bon Tempe, standing among the redwoods, or simply feeling the ocean air. Even short, intentional moments of slowing down help reset the nervous system and make presence possible again.
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
Create space for gratitude by sharing something each family member is thankful for during meals or before bedtime. Some families enjoy journaling beforehand or reflecting quietly before sharing. Gratitude helps shift focus from what feels stressful to what feels meaningful.
Be Flexible
Even with careful planning, unexpected moments will arise. Flexibility allows space for spontaneity, humor, and creativity. Some of the most cherished memories are created when plans change.
Love the Ones You’re With
Take a deep breath and look around. Expressing appreciation, warmth, and affection strengthens family bonds and helps create a sense of emotional safety. What children remember most is not how perfect the holiday looked, but how it felt to be together.
The holidays can bring a mix of emotions for both parents and children. If your child is struggling with anxiety, mood changes, behavior challenges, or stress, or if you’d like support for yourself, Wellspring Psychotherapy Center is here for your family
From all of us at Wellspring Psychotherapy Center, we wish you calm, grounded connections and meaningful presence throughout the season.