877-632-9123Boys Town Provides Guidance for Families Navigating Grief, Loneliness, and Holiday Expectations
As the season of celebration approaches, Boys Town experts remind families that many children and teens experience emotional challenges during the holidays.
Boys Town, Neb. (Dec. 18, 2025) — While December is often portrayed as a season of joy and togetherness, many children, teens, and families experience something very different. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the holidays can intensify feelings of loneliness, highlight the absence of loved ones, and add emotional strain for families navigating conflict, change, or loss. Boys Town experts emphasize that these experiences are common and deserving of compassion and understanding.
“For some kids, the holidays bring excitement. But for others, they bring reminders of what’s missing,” said Dr. Christopher Blank, licensed psychologist at Boys Town Behavioral Health Center. “The pressure to feel joyful, especially when someone is grieving or separated from family, can make children feel even more isolated.”
When Joy Feels Out of Reach
Children and teens may struggle during the holidays for many reasons, including the loss of a loved one, transitions between households, separation from siblings, or spending the season away from their biological families. Even in celebratory settings, youth can feel disconnected despite being surrounded by people.
“These emotions can be confusing for young people,” said Nick Zadina, Manager of Training and Quality Assurance at the Boys Town National Hotline. “Society tells them this is ‘the happiest time of the year,’ so when they don’t feel that way, they may believe something is wrong with them. It’s important for adults to normalize those feelings.”
Boys Town encourages families to be intentional in recognizing and supporting children’s emotional needs during the holidays. Experts recommend creating space for honest conversations, acknowledging grief openly, preparing children ahead of difficult gatherings, and honoring absent loved ones through simple rituals such as sharing stories or lighting a candle.
“Kids don’t need us to fix their grief,” Zadina said. “They need us to show up, listen, and let them know it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling.”
You Are Not Alone: Support Is Available 24/7
The Boys Town National Hotline (800-448-3000) is available 24/7 throughout the holiday season, offering confidential support from trained human counselors. Families and youth can call anytime for help navigating grief, loneliness, overwhelming emotions, or family conflict.
“When everyone else seems to be celebrating, kids who are struggling can feel forgotten,” Zadina said. “Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and no one has to carry these emotions alone.”
Boys Town encourages families to approach the season with gentleness and understanding. “Joy and sorrow can exist side by side,” Dr. Blank said. “The most meaningful gift we can give children during the holiday season is our presence, our patience, and our willingness to listen.”
Boys Town experts are available for interviews to discuss coping with grief and provide additional guidance for families navigating loss and loneliness during the holidays. For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Jordan Weinandt at Jordan.Weinandt@boystown.org or 402-720-8865.
About Boys Town
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven education, prevention, training, and treatment for behavioral and physical problems in multiple locations throughout the United States, with a comprehensive array of resources and services. In 2024, more than 3.5 million children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.
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