It’s the middle of a family gathering, and your child suddenly refuses to share a toy, bursts into tears, or shouts “no” loud enough for everyone to hear. You feel the eyes of relatives on you, and a wave of frustration or embarrassment sets in. Most parents have been there before and wondered, “why is...

The holidays can bring a flurry of excitement—and stress. We overspend, overcommit, and overstretch ourselves trying to create the “perfect” season for our families. But striving for perfection often pulls us away from what matters most: connection, rest, and shared joy. This year, try shifting the focus from doing it all to being together. Small...