Celebrating the holidays with little ones can be so very special. But let’s be honest. It can also bring added stress and overwhelm. Between busy schedules, high expectations, and overstimulated little ones, it’s easy to feel stretched too thin. But navigating the holidays with calm, connection, and intention is possible. With these simple but powerful strategies you can turn an otherwise chaotic and stressful season into a meaningful one.
1. Keep It Simple
One of the best ways to reduce stress during the holidays is to simplify your plans. Instead of packing your days with elaborate activities, focus on meaningful moments that don’t require a lot of effort or preparation. Decorating, baking cookies together, reading holiday-themed books while enjoying a hot chocolate, or taking a walk to look at holiday lights in your neighborhood, are all simple, low-prep activities your little one(s) are sure to enjoy! The key is to focus on connection, not perfection. Your child will remember the love and fun, not how “Pinterest-worthy” the activity was.
2. Don’t Overschedule Yourself
The holidays can easily become overwhelming if you say “yes” to every invitation, event, or activity. Overcommitting yourself can lead to burnout, leaving you too stressed to enjoy the season and less able to stay present, or have the bathwidth to support your children when they become dysregulated, which is sure to happen with a packed schedule! Learn to protect your peace by saying “no” when necessary. Prioritize what truly matters to you and your family. A calmer holiday season benefits everyone.
3. Stick to Your Core Routines
With all the excitement of the holidays, it’s easy for routines to fall by the wayside. However, sticking to your core routines—like meal times, naps, and bedtimes—can provide much-needed stability for your little ones. Predictable routines help children feel safe and secure, even during busy or chaotic times and this consistency helps prevent further dysregulation. So plan holiday activities around your child’s usual schedule whenever possible. This small step can make a big difference in how they handle the excitement and busyness of the season.
4. Invite Your Children to Participate in Regular Holiday Tasks
The holidays are a perfect opportunity to involve your children in the magic of preparation. Invite them to help with tasks, however imperfect their help might be. Even if it becomes a longer or messier process, see it as an invitation to slow down. This is when you create special memories together. Let them hang ornaments on the tree (even if they’re all clumped together on one branch!). Ask them to help wrap gifts or decorate cards. Involve them in meal preparation, like stirring batter or setting the table. When you approach holiday tasks as opportunities to connect, you’ll find joy in even the simplest moments and that’s such a powerful thing to model to our children.
5. Embrace Imperfection
For young children, the magic of the holidays lies in being involved. The slightly crooked star on top of the tree or the lopsided frosting on cookies will mean so much more to them than perfection. So let go of the pressure to make everything picture-perfect and embrace the perfectly imperfect moments instead. These are the memories your children will treasure.
6. Stay Flexible
Even with the best-laid plans, things don’t always go as expected. Staying flexible and adapting to your child’s needs can help you navigate these moments with grace. If your child is overwhelmed at a gathering, leave early or take a break in a quieter space. If a planned activity isn’t working out, pivot to something simpler or more calming. Flexibility allows you to focus on what truly matters—your child(ren)’s well-being and connection with your family.
7. Watch for Signs of Overstimulation
The bright lights, loud noises, and busy gatherings of the holiday season can overwhelm small children. If you notice your child displaying increased fussiness or irritability, having difficulty focusing or calming down, seeking comfort or withdrawing from activities, it may mean they are overstimulated and a change of environment is needed to support them through it. Find a quiet corner where your child can take a sensory break and be intentional with your presence in those moments. Offer a cuddle, read a calming story, or step outside for fresh air and a sensory reset. Supporting your child through these moments not only models how to regulate their emotions but also helps prevent bigger meltdowns.
8. Be Intentional With Your Gifts
The holiday season often brings a rush to buy the latest toys or take advantage of flashy sales, but being intentional with your gift choices can make the experience more meaningful and also prevent future clutter! Thoughtful, purposeful gifts hold far more value than a mountain of presents that are quickly forgotten.
A few things to keep in mind:
– Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: A few meaningful gifts are far more likely to be valued and appreciated than an overwhelming number of items.
– Consider Current Needs and Interests: When selecting gifts, think about what aligns with your child’s developmental stage and interests rather than what’s trending or on sale.
Avoid Overstimulating Toys: Skip toys with flashing lights, loud noises, or limited functionality, as they can overstimulate your child and often lose their novelty quickly. Instead, consider a good balance between open-ended toys – items like building blocks, pretend play sets or art supplies, which encourage creativity and imagination – and close-ended activities. Think puzzles, sorting games, or Montessori-inspired materials that provide opportunities for focused play.
– Think Beyond Toys: Gifts don’t always have to be toys! Experiences such as a visit to a museum or another family outing, are things your little one(s) can look forward to and get excited about. Practical life tools also make wonderful gifts – real, child-sized items like gardening tools, or a tool kit can foster independence, skill-building and definitely boost confidence.
– If it resonates with you, use the “Four-Gift Rule”: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read.
By being intentional with your gifts, you not only reduce stress and clutter but also ensure that the presents you give contribute to your child’s joy, growth, and creativity.
9. If You Have a Partner, Be Sure to Get on the Same Page
The holidays can feel overwhelming, but taking time to connect with your partner to get on the same page about priorities and share the load is key to creating a joyful and balanced season. A strong partnership not only supports you but sets a positive tone for your entire family. Make decisions together about plans, traditions, and boundaries for the kids so you can show up as a united front. Divide and Conquer: share responsibilities like cooking, shopping, or preparing activities to reduce stress and model teamwork. And finally, make time for each other too. Share a quiet coffee, wrap gifts together, or plan a simple date night—even if it’s at home. When you and your partner connect and show up as a united front, you create a stable, loving environment that makes the holidays truly meaningful—for both you and your kids.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect—they just need to be meaningful. By keeping things simple and focusing on connection, you can create a holiday season full of joy and memories that your family will cherish for years to come.
This will close in 306 seconds
This will close in 306 seconds
