The holiday season, while magical and filled with fun festivities, can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming when you’re parenting little ones. The hustle and bustle of this time of year, with its flurry of activities, can bring a unique set of challenges for parents.
Between traveling long distances, adapting to new environments, and adjusting to unfamiliar faces, it’s no wonder the holidays can feel a bit daunting. But don’t worry—there are plenty of strategies to help you and your little ones navigate this busy season with as much ease and joy as possible.
1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Preparation is key when it comes to managing the holiday chaos with young kids. Planning and preparing does not guarantee a stress-free experience, but the more you do ahead of time, the smoother things will go for everyone involved. Trust me!
Start by talking to your child about the holiday plans. Explain what they can expect, whether it’s a trip to grandma’s house, a visit to see Santa, or attending a family gathering. Familiarity can help ease their anxiety and make transitions smoother. Depending on their age, you can even show them any pictures you have of the location or people that will be there!
Packing is another crucial aspect. Think ahead about what your child might need while you’re out and about. This includes packing a well-stocked diaper bag with essentials like snacks, a water bottle, a change of clothes, bibs, utensils, and any comfort items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Having these items on hand can help stave off meltdowns and make unexpected situations more manageable. TIP: Pack extras - extra snacks, diapers, water, pacifiers (if your baby takes one), etc.
Packing for long-distance traveling can also feel like an overwhelming task. Trust me on this, too; I have felt that same overwhelming "where do I even start?" feeling. Because of this, I created the PERFECT Packing Checklists for you and your little ones. It's based on my own experience with babies and toddlers - the wins, losses, mistakes, and everything in between. It's customizable, so you can leave or take anything you do or don't need! It includes so many different categories and even separate checklists for carry-ons (if you're flying), a diaper bag, and a checklist for YOUR bag. Bonus: it even includes a separate checklist for a summer bag (which I guess you may or may not need depending on the location of your holiday travels - jealous of you if it's summer warm)!
2. Maintain Consistency Where Possible
The holiday season often disrupts regular routines, which can be challenging for young children who thrive on predictability. While some routines will inevitably change, you can maintain consistency in other areas to help your child feel more secure.
Maintaining consistency isn't just about sticking to a schedule; it's about preserving routines that ground us and our families amidst the chaos. For example, if bedtime stories are part of your nightly routine, continue this tradition even when you're away from home. Pack a few favorite books to read at your holiday destination. Similarly, if morning walks are your time for peace and reflection, make a point to take these walks even if you're not on your usual path—perhaps explore the neighborhood of your holiday stay. Keeping meal times as regular as possible can also help; it provides predictable touchpoints throughout the day that can be especially comforting for kids.
Sleep can also cause so much stress for both you and your little ones. In order to keep this at bay, do your best to ensure your child gets quality sleep, especially before any big events. Don't be afraid to pack anything that helps your little one sleep. We've even set up a travel crib at other peoples' houses to have Addy sleep at her regular nap time while we hang out! This also includes any stuffed animals, sleep sacks, pacifiers, noise machines, etc. A well-rested child is better able to handle new experiences and manage their emotions. If you have multiple events or gatherings with no chance of a nap, try to schedule some downtime in between. This could be a quiet activity like reading a few books, doing a simple puzzle, or playing with building blocks. These quieter moments allow your child to recharge and can prevent them from becoming overstimulated.
3. Adjust Your Expectations
The holiday season is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, right? It’s easy to envision a picture-perfect holiday season, but reality often falls short of these expectations. Instead of striving for perfection, aim to go with the flow and embrace the unpredictability of the holidays. Remember that your child is likely picking up on your stress and excitement, so maintaining a positive and relaxed demeanor can help them feel more at ease. I know that's WAY easier said than done. And I’ve been there, trying to stick to the usual routines amidst the frenzy. I’ve learned (painfully at times) that sometimes it’s okay to let go a little. For instance, if your kiddos are buzzing with excitement and sleep seems like a distant dream, I’ve learned to relax the rules for a nap or nighttime. It’s these little adjustments that can make a big difference, really.
And when the overwhelm starts creeping in, I've found that it’s crucial to have a tag-team approach. Alexander and I tag in and out, giving each other brief respites to recharge. This teamwork extends to family members, too. Don’t shy away from delegating tasks or asking for help when you need it—like having an uncle oversee the cookie decorating while you catch your breath with a cup of tea. Another tip? Keep some mindfulness exercises up your sleeve. A few deep breaths or a quick stroll outside can work wonders in restoring peace to your holiday spirit. Remember, it’s all about making joyful memories, not achieving holiday perfection!
Be flexible with your plans and willing to adapt as needed. If things don’t go as planned—if your child refuses to nap (which can be SO frustrating, I know) or if a holiday event becomes overwhelming and overstimulating—try your best to stay calm and supportive. Kids are incredibly perceptive and can sense when their parents are feeling frazzled. By modeling calmness and positivity, you can help your child navigate any bumps in the road more smoothly!
Conclusion
The holiday season is a special time filled with opportunities for joy, connection, and celebration. By preparing in advance, maintaining some level of routine, and adjusting your expectations, you can help make this festive season enjoyable for both you and your little ones. Remember, the holidays are about creating cherished memories, and Mama, your little one, wants YOU during the holidays. They don't care how beautiful the decorations look or how perfect the plans are - they enjoy the magic of spending the holidays with family.
I bet that with a little patience, flexibility, and a lot of love, you’ll be able to embrace the magic of the season while keeping your family’s well-being front and center.
Wishing you and your family a very happy, healthy, and joyful holiday season filled with laughter and love!
Xo,
Jess
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