Menstrual Cups for Tweens and Teens: A New Chapter in Period Care

Period Diaries – by Sterling Jones – September 29, 2025

Holiday Period Prep: Managing Your Cycle During Family Gatherings

The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but if you're dealing with your period during family gatherings, Thanksgiving dinner, or holiday travel, it can feel more stressful than magical. Between managing family dynamics, traveling to different locations, and navigating holiday traditions, adding period care to the mix might seem overwhelming. But here's the thing: with the right preparation and mindset, having your period during the holidays doesn't have to derail your celebrations. At Scarlet by RedDrop, we believe that a little planning goes a long way toward ensuring your period doesn't keep you from enjoying precious time with family and friends. Whether you're traveling across the country to see grandparents or hosting relatives at your house, you can feel confident and comfortable managing your period during the holiday season. It just takes some strategic thinking and the right supplies. Understanding Holiday Period Stress Why Holidays Affect Your Cycle  The holidays bring a perfect storm of factors that can influence your menstrual cycle. Travel disrupts your normal routine and sleep schedule. Holiday stress, even the good kind, affects your hormone levels. Different foods, later bedtimes, and busier schedules all impact how your body functions. Don't be surprised if your period arrives early, late, or feels different than usual during the holiday season. Your body is responding to all the changes in your environment and routine. This is completely normal, but it's also why holiday period prep is so important. The Emotional Component  Holidays can intensify emotions, and when you combine that with period hormones, feelings can get pretty big. You might find yourself more sensitive to family comments, more overwhelmed by holiday chaos, or more emotional during gift exchanges. Understanding this connection helps you prepare for and manage these feelings. Social Pressure and Period Shame The holidays often involve being around extended family who might not understand period needs or might come from generations that treated periods as something to hide. This can create additional stress when you're trying to manage your period care around relatives who might not be as understanding as your immediate family. Travel Period Planning Packing Your Holiday Period Kit  When you're traveling for the holidays, your period kit needs to be more comprehensive than your usual school emergency supplies. You won't have the luxury of running to your local store if you run out of products, and you might be staying in places where period supplies aren't readily available. Pack at least twice as many period products as you think you'll need. Include variety in your kit since stress and travel can make your flow unpredictable. Our Code Red Kit is perfect for travel because it's compact and complete, but add extra supplies based on how long you'll be away. Don't forget comfort items that might not be available where you're staying. Pack your own heating pad, favorite pain relief, and any special teas or snacks that help you feel better during your period. What feels like overpacking might be exactly what saves your holiday if your period shows up unexpectedly. Airport and Car Travel Considerations  If you're flying, keep period supplies in both your carry-on and checked luggage. Lost luggage is stressful enough without losing all your period supplies. Airport bathrooms aren't always the most comfortable places to deal with period emergencies, so having supplies easily accessible makes everything smoother. For car travel, pack a small period emergency kit like our period kits that you can access easily during rest stops. Include wet wipes, extra underwear, and a small towel in case of accidents. Long car rides during your period can be uncomfortable, so plan for extra stops and bring comfort items like small pillows or heating pads that plug into car outlets. Different Time Zones and Schedule Disruptions  Travel across time zones can temporarily mess with your cycle timing. Don't panic if your period arrives at an unexpected time during holiday travel. Your body is adjusting to new schedules, different meal times, and disrupted sleep patterns. If you're traveling far from home, research period product availability at your destination. Different regions might carry different brands or sizes, and it's helpful to know where you can restock if needed. Rural areas or small towns might have more limited options than you're used to at home. Managing Family Dynamics Around Your Period Communicating Your Needs  Holiday gatherings often mean staying in houses with limited bathroom privacy, sharing spaces with extended family, and navigating family members who might have different comfort levels around period topics. Having a plan for communicating your needs helps avoid awkward situations. Practice simple, matter-of-fact language for explaining period needs. "I need to use the bathroom" or "I'm not feeling well and need to rest" are perfectly acceptable ways to take care of yourself without oversharing with relatives who might not be comfortable with period talk. If you're staying with family members who might not understand period needs, consider talking to a trusted adult beforehand about what support you might need. This could be as simple as ensuring you have access to heating pads or pain relief, or as important as having someone who can help you navigate any insensitive comments. Dealing with Generational Differences  Older relatives might come from generations that handled periods very differently from how your family approaches them today. Some might suggest outdated remedies or express surprise at modern period products. Remember that their experiences were shaped by different information and cultural attitudes. You don't need to educate your entire extended family about modern period care, but you also don't need to feel ashamed about your normal, healthy bodily functions. Stick to what works for you while being respectful of different perspectives. Creating Period-Friendly Spaces  If you're staying in someone else's home, quietly create period-friendly spaces for yourself. This might mean setting up a small area in your room with comfort supplies, or knowing where you can go for privacy if you need to deal with period issues. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need. Most family members want you to be comfortable during visits, even if they don't fully understand period care. Simple requests like access to heating pads or private bathroom time are usually easy for hosts to accommodate. Holiday Activity Modifications Participating in Family Traditions  Having your period doesn't mean you have to skip beloved family traditions, but you might need to modify how you participate. If your family always goes ice skating and you're dealing with bad cramps, maybe you become the photographer that year. If cookie baking is a big tradition but you're feeling nauseous, perhaps you can help with decorating instead of mixing heavy dough. The key is finding ways to be present and participate without pushing your body beyond what feels comfortable. Family members who care about you want you to enjoy the holidays, not suffer through them. Holiday Meal Considerations  Holiday foods are often rich, heavy, or different from your normal diet. During your period, this can affect how you feel both physically and emotionally. Rich foods might worsen bloating, lots of sugar can intensify mood swings, and irregular meal timing can affect your energy levels. Try to balance holiday indulgences with foods that support your period health. Include iron-rich options if they're available, stay hydrated even when holiday drinks are tempting, and don't feel guilty about eating smaller portions if big meals make you feel worse during your period. Managing Holiday Photos and Appearances  Holiday gatherings often involve lots of photos, and period symptoms like bloating or breakouts might make you feel less confident about pictures. Remember that holiday photos are about capturing memories with loved ones, not creating perfect images. Choose comfortable clothes that make you feel good during your period. Darker colors can provide confidence if you're worried about leaks, and looser fits might feel better if you're dealing with bloating. If you need to step out of photos to handle period needs, that's completely okay. Special Holiday Situations Staying in Homes Without Privacy  Some holiday visits involve staying in homes where bathroom privacy is limited or where you're sharing rooms with relatives. This requires extra planning for a discreet period management. Pack period supplies in small, discrete containers that you can easily carry to and from bathrooms. Consider period underwear as backup protection since it's less obvious than carrying pads or tampons. Have a plan for disposing of period products if trash privacy is limited. Holiday Parties and Social Events  Holiday parties can present unique period challenges, from fancy clothes that don't accommodate period products comfortably to long events where bathroom breaks might be inconvenient. Choose period products that provide long-lasting protection for holiday events. Dress in ways that make you feel confident and comfortable. Don't hesitate to excuse yourself for bathroom breaks or to step outside for fresh air if period symptoms are bothering you. Gift Giving Considerations  The holidays often involve shopping trips, crowded malls, and long days spent selecting gifts. These activities can be particularly challenging during your period, especially if you're dealing with fatigue or cramps. Plan gift shopping during times when you typically feel better during your cycle, if possible. Online shopping becomes your friend during period weeks in December. Don't feel guilty about asking family members to handle certain shopping tasks if you're not feeling up to long mall excursions. Creating Holiday Period Comfort Maintaining Self-Care Routines  The holidays can disrupt your normal self-care routines, but maintaining some period comfort practices helps you feel more like yourself even in unfamiliar environments. Pack travel-sized versions of your favorite period comfort items. This might include essential oils, special teas, or whatever helps you relax during your cycle. Even small familiar comforts can make a big difference when you're managing your period away from home. Building in Rest Time  Holiday schedules can be packed from morning to night, but your period might require more rest than usual. Don't feel guilty about needing downtime during family visits. Most relatives understand that growing teens need more sleep and rest. Build rest time into holiday plans when possible. This might mean taking a nap between holiday events, going to bed earlier than other family members, or taking quiet time in your room when you need to recharge. Finding Quiet Spaces  Holiday gatherings can be loud, chaotic, and overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with period symptoms. Identify quiet spaces where you can retreat if you need a break from holiday energy. This might be a guest bedroom, a quiet corner with a book, or even a short walk outside. Having somewhere to decompress helps you enjoy family time more when you return to the group. Emergency Period Situations During Holidays Unexpected Period Arrivals  Periods can be unpredictable during holiday stress, and getting your period unexpectedly during family gatherings requires quick thinking and calm responses. If your period arrives unexpectedly, handle it matter-of-factly. Excuse yourself to assess the situation, use whatever supplies you have available, and ask a trusted adult for help if needed. Most family members are understanding about health needs, even if they don't know the details. Running Out of Supplies  Holiday periods can be heavier or last longer than expected, and running out of period products during family visits can feel scary. Know where to find supplies in the area where you're staying. Don't be embarrassed to ask family members for help finding stores or for rides to purchase supplies. Most adults have dealt with similar situations and are willing to help. Gas stations, pharmacies, and grocery stores all carry period products, even in small towns. Severe Symptoms Away from Home  If you experience severe period symptoms while visiting family, don't try to tough it out alone. Communicate with trusted adults about what you're experiencing and ask for help finding appropriate care if needed. Know where the nearest urgent care or pharmacy is located in case you need medical attention or stronger pain relief. Have contact information for your regular healthcare provider if you need to consult with them from a distance. Making Holidays Special Despite Period Challenges Focusing on Connection Over Perfection  The holidays are about connecting with loved ones, not about having perfect experiences. If your period makes certain activities uncomfortable, focus on the aspects of holidays that feel good and meaningful to you. Maybe this means deeper conversations with grandparents instead of active games, or helping with quieter holiday preparations instead of high-energy activities. The goal is feeling connected and loved, not participating in every single holiday tradition. Creating New Traditions That Work  Consider creating new holiday traditions that accommodate period needs and still feel special. Maybe you become the family member who creates holiday playlists, or you specialize in making comforting holiday drinks for everyone. New traditions can become just as meaningful as old ones, and they often work better for your current life stage and needs. Celebrating Your Body's Wisdom  Your period is part of your body's natural wisdom, even during the holidays. Instead of seeing it as an inconvenience that's ruining your holiday plans, try to view it as your body taking care of itself during a busy, stressful time. This shift in perspective doesn't make period symptoms disappear, but it can reduce the emotional stress of having your period during special occasions. Looking Forward to Future Holidays Learning from Each Experience  Each holiday season teaches you something new about managing your period during special occasions. Pay attention to what works well and what feels challenging, then use that information to plan better for future holidays. Maybe you learn that you need more supplies than you originally thought, or that certain family activities work better for you than others during your period. This knowledge helps you enjoy future holidays more fully. Building Confidence for Independence  Learning to manage your period during holidays while staying with family helps build skills for future independence. These experiences teach you how to advocate for your needs, plan for challenging situations, and maintain your health routines in different environments. These are valuable life skills that extend far beyond period management and will serve you well in college, work, and adult life. Final Holiday Period Thoughts Having your period during the holidays doesn't have to diminish your enjoyment of this special time with family and friends. With thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and self-compassion, you can navigate holiday celebrations confidently and comfortably. Remember that your period is a normal part of your life, and it doesn't stop being normal just because it happens during holidays. The people who love you want you to feel comfortable and cared for, especially during family celebrations. At Scarlet by RedDrop, we believe that every teen deserves to enjoy holiday celebrations fully, regardless of where they are in their cycle. With the right preparation and support, your period can simply be one part of your holiday experience rather than something that defines or limits your celebrations. Here's to holidays filled with love, laughter, and the confidence that comes from knowing you can handle whatever your cycle brings during this special season. Photo by Paul Stewart on Unsplash Sterling P. Jones is a wellness writer and beauty expert who believes in empowering women through education. As the founder of The Beauté Study, she teaches women how beauty and wellness practices can be tools of personal power. Sterling specializes in cycle-conscious living and writes about the intersection of beauty, wellness, and feminine health. Her approach to period education combines cultural insight with practical guidance, helping young women understand their bodies as sources of strength rather than shame.