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Mindful celebrations: University of Delaware experts on integrating mental wellness into your holiday plans

Professors provide expertise on happiness, mindfulness and thoughtful gift giving this holiday season.

Dec 17, 2025

1 min

Roberta GolinkoffValerie EarnshawAmit Kumar

The holiday season is a whirlwind of joy, lights, and laughter, but sometimes it can also sneak in some added stress. Experts from the University of Delaware are here to remind us that our mental wellness shouldn’t take a backseat during these festive times. By weaving mindfulness into our holiday plans, we can maximize the joy and peace we experience.


Prioritizing presence over presents


Let's face it: the holiday rush often translates to an avalanche of consumerism. But Amit Kumar, a marketing professor who focuses on the scientific study of happiness, suggests focusing on being present rather than the presents.


Carving out mindful time 


The holidays can stir up complex emotions as families come together. Psychology professors Franssy Zablah and Zachary Meehan offer strategies to support mental well-being this season.


Valerie Earnshaw and Raphael Travis, professors who study health and wellbeing, can share guidance for supporting family members with substance use disorders this holiday season.


Gifting intentionally this year 


Education professors Myae Han and Roberta Golinkoff can talk about gifts for children that promote reading or positive play.


Keeping the spirts bright year after year 


Debra Hess Norris offers tips on how to preserve decorations and make them look brand new every year.


To contact any of these experts, click on their expert profiles or email MediaRelations@udel.edu. 

Connect with:
Roberta Golinkoff

Roberta Golinkoff

Unidel H. Rodney Sharp Chair and Professor

Prof. Golinkoff studies language development, playful learning, effects of media on children, spatial development, and applying her science.

Early Childhood Education Early Spatial DevelopmentPlayful LearningBenefits of PlayEffects of Media on Children
Valerie Earnshaw

Valerie Earnshaw

Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Sciences

Prof. Earnshaw examines associations between stigma and health inequities.

Health InequitiesHealth OutcomesHIV StigmaAIDS StigmaStigmatized Conditions‎
Amit Kumar

Amit Kumar

Assistant Professor of Marketing

Professor Kumar’s research focuses on the scientific study of happiness.

HappinessConsumer BehaviorSocial PsychologyBehavioral Decision MakingKindness

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