5 Reasons Stress-Free Family Holidays Month Matters for Health Plans

December is often described as a time of celebration and family connection, but for many Americans it is also a period of heightened emotional strain. This is why December is recognized as National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month. It serves as an important reminder of the need to support mental wellbeing at a time when financial pressure, caregiving demands and social expectations are at their peak.

For health plans, this month is more than an awareness opportunity. It is a strategic moment to recognize how holiday stress influences member behavior, impacts care utilization and shapes overall member experience. As families navigate seasonal pressures, health plans can play a vital role in supporting whole-person health and ensuring members can access timely and effective behavioral health services.

Holiday Stress Is a Systemwide Issue and the Data Shows It
Several major U.S. studies highlight how significantly the holidays affect emotional wellbeing.

• 41% of Americans report increased stress during the holidays, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA 2023), with financial concerns cited as the top driver.
• 64% of individuals with existing mental health conditions say their symptoms worsen during this time.
• APA’s 2023 Stress in America Report notes that chronic stress contributes to increased anxiety, sleep disruption and reduced self-care, all of which spike during November and December.
• The U.S. Surgeon General reports that loneliness and social isolation worsen during winter months, which can significantly increase mental health risks.

These patterns translate into rising behavioral health needs, a greater likelihood of delayed care and higher utilization of crisis-level services. For health plans, the holiday season is a predictable pressure point that requires proactive support strategies.

Why This Season Matters for Health Plans
Holiday stress influences how and when members seek care and how they manage their ongoing physical and behavioral health needs. This creates an opportunity for health plans to:

• Support members earlier and reduce avoidable high-cost events
• Improve member experience and satisfaction scores
• Strengthen relationships with employer groups that expect comprehensive mental wellbeing solutions
• Enhance engagement by delivering outreach that feels relevant and timely
• Promote whole-person care that integrates behavioral and physical health needs

How Health Plans Can Support Members During the Holidays
Health plans are well-positioned to guide members through the challenges of the season. Consider integrating these strategies into member communications and digital outreach.

1. Encourage members to set realistic expectations: Remind families that there is no perfect holiday and that reducing unnecessary pressure can support emotional wellbeing.
2. Increase awareness of behavioral health resources: Virtual therapy, navigation support and digital mental wellbeing tools should be easy to access and widely promoted this month.
3. Reinforce the value of short mental health breaks: Even brief mindfulness or movement activities can improve mood and reduce stress.
4. Support caregivers with targeted resources: Caregivers often experience the greatest pressure. Making support tools visible can prevent burnout.
5. Provide reminders about preventive care: Members often fall behind on chronic-condition management during December. Thoughtful reminders can help prevent complications.

Behavioral Health Is Foundational for Better Outcomes
The seasonal rise in stress underscores a growing need for integrated behavioral health solutions. Plans that invest in these services typically see:

• Better care navigation
• Lower emergency care utilization
• Higher member engagement
• Improved employer group satisfaction
• More stable long-term outcomes across populations

Behavioral health is a strategic pillar for cost management, member wellbeing and system performance.

How NovaOne Supports Health Plans
At NovaOne, we partner with health plans to deliver behavioral health solutions that improve access, coordination and outcomes for members during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Our programs help:

• Connect members with timely, personalized support
• Reduce system strain through improved care navigation
• Enhance member experience, especially during high-stress periods
• Deliver measurable value to employers and plan sponsors

This December, as families across the country work to create a stress-free holiday season, health plans have an opportunity to lead with care and compassion.

To learn how NovaOne can support your behavioral health strategy, connect with us today.

Sources: APA Holiday Stress Survey, APA Stress in America Report, APA Workplace Mental Health Statistics, U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on Loneliness and Social Connection