For many, the holidays are a time of giving and fun with family and friends. However, families also experience strain during this time of the year. Whether it’s a family argument, a financial struggle, or an overbooked schedule, many families agree that the holidays can bring up tensions, stress, and arguments.

   61-68% of people felt fatigue and stress often or sometimes during the holidays, according to Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research. The three major stressors were money, time, and commercialism.

    Contrary to that, they also report that 75-78% of people feel happiness and love during this part of the year.

  Lack of time is a big strain on families during this season. Wake County students will only get 7.5 school days off for winter break this year, which isn’t much time for all the Christmas parties and present shopping.

  “Traveling and planning stresses me out,” senior Jaden Lyons said.

  Many people choose to minimize that stress by planning their days off in advance, scheduling time to get their shopping and partying done.

  Another big strain on families during the holidays is money. Buying gifts, food, and warm clothes is an large expense, and those purchases can be a big strain on families who fail to set aside money and plan well.

  “Sometimes I feel bad asking my parents for expensive gifts,” an anonymous junior said.

  “Not having enough money to buy people gifts makes me stressed,” freshman Maxx Brown said.

  According to Investopedia, the average American family spent $929 on Christmas gifts is 2016. This can be a stressful strain for students and parents. Many people suggest budgeting ahead of time and saving money so you can have plenty of cash to buy gifts for family and friends. If your family’s financial woes are a problem this holiday season, check out the accompanying  Hi-Times story about giving gifts on a budget: Cheap Gift Ideas.

  Family disputes can also create stress for families. Whether it is a grumpy grandparent, a cousin who always brings up politics, or siblings arguing over old rivalries, many people don’t look forward to spending time with loved ones.

  “I have some annoying cousins that I don’t want to hang out with,” said sophomore Jack Rooney.

  When asked how the holidays stress her out, freshman Mary Francis Divine said, “cause my family comes and I hate them.”

  Family arguments can be hard to solve, but it is important to set those altercations aside and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.