Sometimes, the holidays can seem to be anything but happy. Families have increased demands (decorating, additional spending, attending social and family gatherings) and expectations (finding the perfect gift, continuing family traditions, not letting the kids be disappointed). And the difficulties aren’t just for parents: Children, too,...

Parents are busy, and deal with many pressures daily: work, bills, managing a household; maybe even attending classes and caring for older family members. On top of that, you’re raising kids who are dealing with their own pressures and are sometimes irritable, sulky or rebellious. How...