Thriving Through the Holidays - A Resilient Economies and Community Health (REACH) Webinar

Location

Virtual Event

Date

November 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM - November 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Pricing
A registration fee is required for all participants.

About

Thriving Through the Holidays is a three-part webinar series designed to help individuals and families navigate the challenges of the holiday season with greater balance, resilience, and well-being. Recognizing that many women often carry a significant share of the emotional, relational, and logistical responsibilities during the holidays, this series provides practical strategies to reduce stress and support overall wellness during one of the year's busiest times.

This year has brought unique challenges for many families, making it more important than ever to create a space where participants can connect with trusted experts, learn realistic strategies, and ask questions about the issues that impact their daily lives.

Hosted by MU Extension's Dr. Ashley Allen-Brown, field faculty in economic and community development, each webinar in the series brings together a panel of experts who offer diverse perspectives, research-based insights, and practical experience to explore holiday stress from a holistic perspective. Together, the panel provides meaningful strategies and evidence-informed solutions that support individual well-being, strengthen families and workplaces, and help communities thrive throughout the holiday season.

By the end of the webinar series, participants will be able to:

  • Identify common sources of holiday stress.
  • Recognize how multiple dimensions of wellness influence overall well-being.
  • Learn practical strategies to support emotional, physical, financial, occupational, social, and spiritual wellness during the holidays.
  • Develop a personalized holiday self-care plan.
  • Connect with trusted community resources available through MU Extension and partner organizations.

To ensure the series addresses the needs of our community, participants will be invited to complete a brief pre-series survey. Feedback from this survey will help MU Extension identify the most pressing concerns, tailor discussion topics, and provide resources that are timely, relevant, and practical for participants.

Take the survey: https://bit.ly/ThrivingSurvey26

Location: Zoom

Cost: $20 for all three sessions

Sessions

Nov. 5, 2026

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST Part 1: Prioritize Your Well-being and Build a Strong Foundation

    The holiday season can be a time of joy and connection, but it can also bring increased stress, competing demands, and pressure to meet the needs and expectations of others. Part 1: Prioritize Your Well-Being and Build a Strong Foundation focuses on practical strategies for managing personal stressors and creating healthier habits before the holiday season becomes overwhelming. A panel of healthcare and wellness experts will share evidence-informed approaches for navigating common holiday challenges, including managing stress, protecting your energy, setting healthy boundaries, maintaining wellness routines, and recognizing when you need additional support. Participants will gain practical tools and realistic strategies to help them approach the holidays with greater balance, resilience, and confidence—while remembering that caring for yourself is an essential part of caring for others.

    Location: Zoom

Nov. 11, 2026

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST Part 2 - Beyond the Gift: Creating a Holiday Season That Fits Your Values and Your Wallet

    The holidays can bring meaningful moments of connection and celebration—but they can also bring financial pressure, unrealistic expectations, and stress about spending. Beyond the Gift: Creating a Holiday Season That Fits Your Values and Your Wallet helps participants take control of their money decisions while creating a holiday season that reflects what matters most. A financial wellness expert will share practical strategies for maintaining financial balance, reducing holiday spending stress, and approaching gift giving and celebrations with a more mindful mindset. Participants will explore how to align their spending with their personal values, create realistic expectations, and recognize that the greatest gifts often come through time, connection, and shared experiences—not the price tag attached to a present. Participants will leave with tools to make confident financial choices, reduce money-related stress, and create a holiday season that feels meaningful, manageable, and true to what matters most.

    Location: Zoom

Nov. 19, 2026

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST Part 3: The Present of Presence: Creating Meaningful Connections During the Holidays

    The holiday season is filled with traditions, celebrations, and opportunities to connect—but the busyness of the season can sometimes cause us to miss the very moments we are working so hard to create. Part 3: The Present of Presence: Creating Meaningful Connections During the Holidays brings the series together by revisiting key lessons from the first two sessions: prioritizing personal well-being and creating financial peace through intentional choices. Participants will explore how these foundations allow us to be more fully present with the people and experiences that matter most. This session focuses on the power of slowing down, protecting our energy, and being intentional with our time and attention. Participants will learn how personal presence and emotional availability can strengthen relationships, support family well-being, and contribute to healthier, more connected communities. Through reflection and practical strategies, participants will discover ways to let go of perfection, embrace meaningful moments, and create holiday memories rooted in connection, gratitude, and joy. Because the greatest gift we can give during the holidays is often not something we purchase—it is our time, attention, and presence.

    Location: Zoom