Hiding in the pantry eating the Christmas chocolate?! Sounds like me.

We're often working so hard to make Christmas a magical experience that we FORGET that the change in routine, the anticipation and the drama of it all can REALLY stress our kids out. Cue the tantrum about turkey in front of grandma.

It's a balancing act. One of the most important things you can do is be kind to yourself. Parenting is tough at the best of times, and the festive season only adds to the pressure.

I’ve put together my top tips for a stress-less Christmas and festive season, check them out below!

1. Lower your expectations:
   Forget the picture perfect Instagram Christmas. Focus on creating moments of connection, not perfection. It’s okay if the gingerbread house collapses or the kids reorganise the baubles to the bottom of the tree. They remember the presence, not the presents.

2. Stick to familiar routines.
   Kids thrive on predictability so maintain regular mealtimes, naptimes and bedtime routines as much as possible. A stable rhythm will help them feel grounded amidst the holiday excitement.

3. Keep the build-up to a minimum.
   It’s tempting to hype up Christmas, but too much anticipation can lead to overwhelm. Keep the conversations about the day low-key and focus on the moments leading up to it, like decorating or baking, rather than constantly counting down till presents.

4. Talk about what to expect.
   Prepare your child by explaining what will happen on Christmas Day, especially if you’re spending time with extended family. Use simple language “We’ll open presents and then we’ll go to Grandma’s house for lunch.” A visual schedule (even just hand drawn) will help.

5. Watch for overstimulation.
   Christmas lights, music, photos with Santa and crowded gatherings can be overwhelming for little ones. Watch for signs of sensory overload like irritability or clinginess, and offer a quiet , familiar space when needed. Consider whether they even need to go at all?

6. See behaviour as communication.
   Instead of asking “Why are they acting up?”, as “what are they trying to tell me?”. Kids may be saying things like “it’s too loud”, or “I’m feeling frustrated”. This shift in mindset helps you respond with empathy and problem solve for them.

7. Involve kids in the planning.
   Offer choices like “Would you like a red cracker or a green?” or “Do you want to sit next to me or Grandad?” This gives them a sense of control during a season full of surprises. They also love to feel helpful, so give them small jobs like stirring the batter or making cards.

8. Set boundaries with family.
   Advocate for your child, even if it feels uncomfortable. If they’re not ready for a hug or interation, make it clear without apologising or labelling them as ‘shy’. Use simple phrases like “They’re not feeling it right now, but we can wave instead!”. 

9. Plan for downtime.
   Schedule in moments to re-charge, like a move afternoon or just playtime with no expectation to transition or go anywhere. Setting up an indoor camp for kids to retreat to when things get too much can help them to reset. Rest is just as important as fun!

10. Be realistic about gifts.
    Too many presents at once can overwhelm kids. Consider focusing on a few meaningful gifts and letting them open them in their own time (even though we’re excited to see their reactions!). It’s okay if they’re more interested in one toy, the wrapping paper or even the box!

Remember, it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly. Lowering your expectations and letting go of the need for everything to be ‘just right’ can make a huge difference. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough.

And let’s not forget to stay flexible and embrace whatever is thrown at us. The holidays rarely go as planned, but that’s where the magic happens. The tantrums, the meltdowns, the unplanned moments—they’re all part of the journey, and how we react can make all the difference.

So, regulate yourself where you can. Take a deep breath, find your calm, eat that chocolate, and allow the space for things to unfold naturally. You’ve got this!