A recent study found that nearly one-third of Canadians expect this year’s holidays to be more stressful than fun. That is up from last year. The cost of Christmas presents, food, entertaining, and travel is up. The average Canadian is expected to spend $975 this year for the holidays. That figure is also up.
Then, there are the family gatherings, the social events, and the expectations. How do you tell a child Santa may not bring a requested gift?
Shawn Senecal, interim director of Mental Health Services at Northumberland Hills Hospital, discusses these pressures and more. He provides some thoughtful strategies and good, professional advice.
Have a listen and see if any of his ideas are helpful for you.
The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
Originally aired: December 5, 2025
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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