As we gear up for the festive season, let's get real about the not-so-merry side of things, the stress that sneaks in with the joy of the holidays. Between keeping the kiddos entertained and managing the budget, it's a bit like juggling ornaments on a tree, right? Well, fear not, we've got some tips to help make this season a bit more jolly and a bit less "where's my coffee?" chaos.

Handling the Holiday Cash Crunch

Set a Realistic Budget: Okay, let's sit down with our favourite hot drink and chat about money. Set a budget, not a crazy, out-of-this-world budget, but a sensible one. Gifts, decorations, festive food, include it all. This way, you can avoid that "oops, where did my money go?" moment come January.

Meaningful Experiences Over Money-Draining Gifts: Now, gifts are awesome, but they don't have to break the bank. Instead of stressing about buying the latest whatever, focus on creating experiences. Get crafty with homemade decorations, have a cozy movie night at home, or take a stroll through the neighbourhood to admire the holiday lights. Trust us; your wallet will thank you.

Hunting for Deals and Swapping Gift Ideas: Let's put our savvy shopper hats on. Hunt for those discounts, join a gift exchange with friends or family, or get creative with some DIY gifts. It's like a treasure hunt for the perfect presents without the hefty price tag.

Keeping Your Sanity with Kids in Tow

Crafting a Realistic Schedule: The holidays can turn into a whirlwind of school events, family gatherings, and festive activities. Craft a schedule that doesn't have you running around like a headless turkey. Pick the must-dos, sprinkle in some downtime, and let's not forget to schedule in that well-deserved nap for yourself.

Tag, You're It! Delegating Responsibilities: Repeat after us: You don't have to be the holiday hero doing it all. Share the load with family and friends. Let them bring a dish, help with the decorations, or even take charge of the chaotic game of charades. It's a team effort!

Boundaries Are Your Besties: We're all for spreading holiday cheer, but not at the expense of your sanity. Set some boundaries. Politely decline those invitations that feel like too much. Your mental health is a priority, and you deserve a stress-free holiday.

Embrace the Holiday Chaos: Let's be real, perfection is overrated. Embrace the chaos. The burnt cookies, the wonky decorations, they're all part of the charm. Find joy in the messy, imperfect moments because, let's face it, those are the ones you'll remember.

Healthy Family Fun Activities

Neighbourhood Adventure Scavenger Hunt: Gather the family for an exciting neighbourhood adventure with a scavenger hunt that's all about exploration and discovery.

Home Workout Extravaganza: Turn your living room into a festive fitness zone! Crank up the holiday tunes, put on your favourite workout gear, and have a family workout extravaganza. You can create a dance party playlist, follow an online family-friendly workout routine, or even set up a mini-obstacle course using household items. It's a fantastic way to burn off some energy, have a good laugh, and create lasting memories.

Healthy Recipe Challenge: Get the family involved in the kitchen with a healthy recipe challenge. Each family member gets to choose and prepare a nutritious holiday dish. From colourful salads to tasty smoothies or even a light dessert, this activity not only encourages creativity but also promotes healthy eating habits. Don't forget to taste-test each other's creations and vote for the most delicious dish. You might just discover some new favourite recipes to add to your holiday menu!

Nature Walk and Holiday Photos: Take a breather from the holiday hustle with a refreshing nature walk. Find a local park or nature reserve, put on some cozy layers, and explore the outdoors. Bring along a camera or use your smartphones to capture the beauty of the season. Encourage each family member to take turns being the photographer, and by the end of the walk, you'll have a collection of festive photos. You can use these snapshots for personalized holiday cards or create a digital family album to cherish the memories.

Outdoor Movie Night: Transform your backyard into a cozy outdoor cinema for a family movie night. String up some fairy lights, grab blankets and pillows, and choose a selection of holiday favourites. Make it even more special by serving healthy snacks like air-popped popcorn, fruit skewers, and veggie platters. This outdoor movie night will not only be a hit with the kids but also provides a perfect opportunity for some quality family bonding.

Remember, the goal is to have fun, be active, and create memorable moments together. Feel free to tailor these activities to suit your family's preferences and enjoy the holiday season in a healthy and joyful way!

CYA (Choose Your Adventure) School Holiday Program

Proudly presented by the Each Youth & Family Counselling Team, CYA is a low-cost, fully supervised holiday program designed for young people aged 15–25 who live, study, or recreate in the City of Whitehorse, Knox, Maroondah, and Yarra Ranges. The team work alongside young people to co-design engaging activities, all facilitated by qualified staff to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

Registration is essential.

Each event has its own QR code that links directly to the Eventbrite page with full details including times and locations. See attached flyer for further details.

Upcoming Events 2026

JAN 13 – TIMEZONE (Forest Hill) Three activities included.

JAN 15 – Escape Rooms (Eastland)

JAN 20 – Rock Climbing (Nunawading)

JAN 22 – Games Day & Pizza (Ringwood)

Numbers are capped at 20 per event, so please get your young people to register to avoid disappointment.

Local Support for Knox Parents in the Holidays

A reminder that the Wellbeing Office will be closed during the summer holidays. In case the holiday stress gets a bit too much, we've got your back. Here are some local support services around Knox City Council:

Knox Community Health Service: These folks are here for you with a range of health and support services. Whether it's a health concern or just needing someone to talk to, check them out at Knox Community Health Service.

Knox Infolink: The local community information service that's like your own personal guide to resources. From parenting tips to local events, they've got you covered. Visit Knox Infolink for a wealth of info.

Ask Izzy: Need help finding the support you need? Look no further than Ask Izzy. It's a website that connects you to local services, including housing, food, healthcare, and more. Think of it as your digital superhero for navigating the local support scene.

You're not alone in this holiday adventure. If you need a hand or some resources, reach out to family, friends, or some local organisations. Wishing you and your family a relaxed, joyful, and hassle-free holiday season!

EACH - Health Services 1300 003 224

These services are free or low-cost.

93 Boronia Rd, Boronia

Youth Mental Health Services 9298 8469

headspace 1800 650 890

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 1800 015 188 (24 Hours)

1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24 Hours)

www.1800respect.org.au

Nurse on Call 1300 60 60 24

The Butterfly Foundation 9822 5771

FriendLine 1800 424 287

24/7 Mental Health Hotlines:

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Lifeline - Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Student Wellbeing Team

Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au

Chelsea Collings - Leader of Wellbeing

Guiseppe Relia – Wellbeing Counsellor

Sanela Avdic - Wellbeing Counsellor

Talea-Jane Simpson – Wellbeing Counsellor

Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner 7-8

The Student Chronicles