Giving your child a break from Christmas
We are huge fans of Christmas. It’s such a magical time, with little people full of wonder and excitement – sometimes, dare we say it, verging on too much excitement!
Alongside the trips to visit Santa, the thrill of decorating the tree and leaving snacks for the big man himself, your child might also have a nativity or Christmas carol production, later nights than usual and more sweet treats. And that can add up to be a lot for a child to handle.
Which is why you may find December a trickier month to navigate together than you’d think. There is so much going on that it can be exhausting for adults and children alike.
Add some downtime into the mix
We can all find a change in routine slightly disorienting after a while and eating more treats or different food to usual can take their toll too. All of this stimulation can make it difficult for young children to regulate their emotions, making meltdowns more likely.
This doesn’t mean you can’t have a wonderful Christmas together. It might mean you schedule in some downtime between Christmas activities, or make sure that you all have time at home together in between visiting relatives.
Maybe you can plan for some of your usual meals with more simple food, and some calming activities that your child enjoys. Getting rugged up for a walk and pointing out the trees, the clouds drifting by, or any wildlife you spot are also good ways to calm everyone too.
If your child is older, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of screentime if you think a comforting episode of their favourite TV show will give them a restful half-hour. Reading a favourite, familiar story to your baby or child is another great way to make everyone feel calm.
A bath during the day can also provide your little one with a bit of chill-out time. The soothing, warm water and some quiet time to splash in the bath, followed by whatever downtime they feel like, can work wonders on an overtired child. And there is nothing wrong with a PJ day, if that’s what needed!
It’s also absolutely fine to say ‘no’ to any plans that feel a step too far. Got a party the same day as the fair? Pick one and enjoy it, rather than feeling the pressure to do both (for more tips on how to do, ditch or delegate at Christmas, read our article here).
Older children may find a visual calendar helpful, so they can see what’s coming up because, while surprises are lovely, sometimes it’s helpful to know ahead of time, for children as well as adults! You could also try to borrow a book about the nativity from your local library, so you can help your child to understand the story behind it, if they’re performing in one.
We also have an episode of the My First Five Years podcast all about Christmas with under-fives. Search for the My First Five Years podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts to hear more tips.
It’s definitely worth thinking ahead to plan some quieter times over December. And remember, if your child seems to be having a tough time, it doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t really enjoying the magic you’ve created for them – they might just need a dash of normality, too.