A Merry Christmas for All: Practical Tips for Family Harmony During the Holidays
As Christmas approaches, many parents and nannies look forward to the day of putting up decorations and trimming the tree with as much excitement as the children do. In their minds, they picture the perfect scene: festive music playing, smiles all around, and shiny ornaments carefully placed without a hitch. Yet, as anyone with young children knows, the reality often includes a few unexpected twists.
The “decorate the tree” day may start off smoothly, with everyone excited and showing an impressive amount of teamwork as they untangle fairy lights and choose ornaments. But inevitably, about an hour in, many notice a shift in the younger ones – patience wanes, fingers get a bit too eager to grab breakable baubles, and occasional sibling squabbles erupt over who gets to hang their favourite decorations.
It’s all too easy for adults to feel their calm slip amidst the twinkling lights and tinsel. With children’s emotions running high, it can be helpful to remember that they’re navigating a holiday season filled with change, excitement, and unpredictability, which can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Here are some practical tips for parents and nannies to help everyone in the family have a brighter, more connected holiday season by considering children’s emotional and developmental needs. Whether gathering with extended family or simply decorating at home, these mindful strategies can keep the festive spirit alive and harmonious.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Children are still learning how to handle big feelings, especially when everything around them is changing with the season. While adults might imagine a perfectly decorated tree, a child may have their own unique ideas – sometimes involving decorations going in places they don't belong! Understanding that children may still fidget, get distracted, or make mistakes, no matter how festively they’re dressed, helps to keep holiday expectations realistic. Although it can seem to add to your work, sometimes it can relieve some of the tension if you allow your children to decorate first and tidy it up to your standards after bedtime. A lot can be explained away by “Christmas fairies” at this time of year!
2. Maintain Consistent Routines (When Possible)
The Christmas season brings a whirlwind of lights, sounds, and scents – all of which can be overstimulating for young ones. Keeping some routines in place between holiday events can bring a sense of calm and predictability. Familiar schedules, where possible, allow children to feel more grounded and relaxed amid the festive chaos. This could be as simple as going to the park to expel their energy before the planned carol concert or keeping their usual bedtime routine after walking through a Christmas market all day, maybe leaving staying up to watch Elf for another, calmer day.
3. Allow Plenty of Time for Play
Just as adults need time to relax and recharge, children need unstructured play to process their emotions and wind down. While adults might unwind with a favourite show or a cup of tea (or glass of wine), for children, play serves as a crucial outlet. Whether it’s a quick board game, drawing, or imaginative play, allowing some downtime between holiday events can help children feel calmer and more connected.
4. Prepare Kids for What to Expect
While adults know the holiday schedule by heart, children often don’t. Giving kids a heads-up about the day’s activities can make a world of difference. Explaining where the family is going, what to expect, and how long things might last helps children feel more prepared and less likely to get overwhelmed. A little preparation can go a long way in preventing meltdowns.
5. Prioritise Connection, Even Briefly
With holiday busyness in full swing, it’s tempting to focus on getting everything done. However, even just ten minutes of undivided attention with a child can make all the difference in how they feel. Taking time to connect with children by listening, talking, and sharing a quick cuddle can strengthen the bond and lead to improved cooperation and patience.
Letting Holiday Values Shine Through
In the midst of the festive excitement, it’s essential to focus on what truly matters – the people, not just the decorations. When messiness and mishaps inevitably happen, remembering the bigger picture keeps hearts connected. Children may not remember every decoration or gift, but they will remember the laughter, love, and kindness shown to them. If you think about it, do you really remember what you got for Christmas when you were 8, or do your Chistmasses all blend into one nostalgic feeling?
When things don’t go as planned, taking a moment to reset can help bring everyone back into the holiday spirit. Even if the house is a bit of a festive mess, maintaining a warm, positive connection with each other is what makes the holidays truly special. With these mindful strategies, parents and nannies can create a Christmas filled with joy, patience, and lasting memories.
Follow along for more Christmas tips on our blog, as well as baking and crafting ideas over the next few weeks!