The holidays are often a magical time for families, but for parents of young children, it can also be a whirlwind of busy schedules, gatherings, and lots of expectations. The good news is, with a little preparation, you can help your little ones enjoy the holiday season without the stress. By setting realistic expectations, creating family traditions, and keeping things simple, you can make this time of year special for both you and your child.
1. Stick to Routines as Much as Possible
While the holiday season can be a bit chaotic, maintaining some familiar routines can help your child feel grounded. Try to keep consistent meal times, bedtime routines, and other daily rituals, even if you’re traveling or hosting visitors. If your child normally takes a nap after lunch, try to honor that routine as best you can.
You can also adapt special activities (like baking or opening presents) to fit your child’s normal rhythm—if they’re used to having a snack before bedtime, why not let them enjoy a holiday-themed snack? Familiarity provides comfort.
2. Create Simple Family Traditions
Holidays are a great time to introduce or reinforce family traditions, and simple traditions often become the most cherished. Whehther it’s decorating a gingerbread house, having a holiday movie night, or driving around to see the neighborhood Christmas lights, these small rituals help your child feel connected to the season.
Let your child participate in the tradition by making them feel like they are contributing—helping to put up ornaments, wrapping gifts for family, or even making holiday cards. This gives them a sense of ownership over the celebration, which makes the experience more meaningful.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
The holidays can be overwhelming for little ones, with the influx of visitors, new experiences, and lots of excitement. To manage your child’s expectations and avoid meltdowns, try to keep things simple. For instance, don’t over-schedule activities or try to attend every event—sometimes less is more.
It’s also helpful to set expectations around gifts. While children love the excitement of receiving presents, it’s important to explain the concept of giving and receiving in an age-appropriate way. For young children, explaining that presents are a way of sharing love can help them understand that holidays aren’t just about what they get, but about making others happy too.
4. Prepare for Big Changes: Travel and Visitors
If you’re traveling or hosting extended family, prepare your child for these changes in advance. Young children might feel anxious about unfamiliar places or people. Talk about who will be visiting or where you’ll be going, and discuss what they can expect.
For example, if you’re visiting relatives or staying in a hotel, let your child know ahead of time where they will be sleeping and what their daily routine might look like. If your family is hosting a big gathering, talk about the guests who will be there and practice greetings to make your child feel more comfortable.
5. Be Mindful of Overstimulation
The holidays can be a time of overstimulation for young children. Bright lights, loud music, crowded spaces, and lots of new people can overwhelm little ones. Help your child manage this sensory overload by finding quiet moments to decompress.
If you’re at a holiday party or family gathering, take breaks in a quiet room if needed. Bring along comforting items from home—like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal—to provide reassurance when things feel too hectic. Be attuned to your child’s cues and offer calming activities, like reading a favorite holiday book or playing quietly with a toy.
6. Teach Gratitude
The holiday season is a great time to introduce the concept of gratitude. Young children may not fully understand the idea of thankfulness, but you can start by modeling it in your actions. Encourage your child to say thank you when they receive gifts, and take the time to talk about what you’re thankful for as a family.
Incorporating small acts of kindness—like writing thank-you notes or giving small handmade gifts—can also help your child develop empathy and an appreciation for the spirit of giving.
7. Incorporate Play and Relaxation
The holiday season doesn’t have to be just about events and celebrations—it’s also about creating moments of downtime for your child. Young children need plenty of time to play and unwind. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon at home, time spent building with blocks, or an outdoor walk to look at the holiday decorations, be sure to include plenty of opportunities for your child to relax and play.
Remember that the holidays can be a lot of stimulation, so balancing fun activities with quiet playtime is key to helping your child stay happy and grounded.
8. Make It About Connection, Not Perfection
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your child for the holidays is to shift your focus from perfection to connection. Let go of the idea that everything has to be “just right.” Instead, prioritize spending time with loved ones, creating memories, and enjoying simple moments together.
Your child will remember the laughter, the traditions, and the joy of being together far more than the perfectly wrapped presents or flawlessly planned events.
9. Be Flexible and Stay Present
Lastly, remember that things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Children can be unpredictable, especially during the excitement of the holidays. If they’re feeling tired or overwhelmed, it’s okay to adjust plans. Stay present, be flexible, and let go of any expectations that might add unnecessary pressure.
Enjoy the journey with your child, and embrace the chaos as part of the magic of the season!
The holidays should be a time of joy, connection, and celebration, not stress and overwhelm. By preparing your young children in advance and keeping things simple, you can ensure that the holiday season is filled with warmth and special moments. Focus on creating lasting memories, staying flexible, and making time for both fun and relaxation, and you’ll have a holiday season your whole family will cherish. Happy holidays!