Here’s the thing nobody really told me in those starry-eyed pre-kids Christmases: December is a lot.
Magical, yes. Cosy, yes.
But also loud, busy, flashing, sugary, expectation-heavy… and even the calmest child can end up feeling like a shaken-up snow globe.
Here's how to survive the December madness (… and keep everyone’s regulation intact).
For many of us, December doesn’t just sprinkle glitter onto our routines, it bulldozes right through them.
The house suddenly looks different, everyone’s talking about a man who breaks into your home with gifts, there are parties and plays and visitors and late nights.
No wonder our little ones wobble!
But it doesn’t have to be chaos.
How to Survive the December Madness (… and Keep Everyone’s Regulation Intact)
With a bit of intention, December can feel gentler, slower, and far more connected for everyone.
Here’s how to soften the madness and support your little one’s emotional world this season:
1. Keep December as “Normal” as You Can
I know, I know - December seems to demand that we do all the things.
Santa visits! Markets! Grottoes! Elf trails! Festive everything!
But little nervous systems thrive on rhythm, and too many big changes create overwhelm.
So keep the anchors: meals, naps, bedtimes, slow mornings where possible.
Miss an event if you need to.
Quiet stability always matters more than ticking off a festive bucket list.
2. Go at Their Pace, Not December’s
Crafting home-made Christmas cards? Gorgeous idea - in theory.
But young children burn out on large projects quickly.
Spread things over a few days, choose one or two meaningful crafts, and let them lead.
And if they suddenly don’t want to see Santa or finish the glitter masterpiece?
That’s not “being difficult”, that’s a regulation need.
Follow their pace. Let December be gentle.
3. Escape Into Nature (and Out of the Noise)
When everything feels too loud or too bright, step outside.
Walk through crunchy leaves, splash through puddles, breathe fresh air, look at trees outdoors instead of the one twinkling in your lounge.
Nature grounds children faster than any “calming activity” ever could.
And if it isn’t too cold, a few barefoot minutes on the earth works wonders for rebalancing frazzled bodies and minds.
Use this fun winter scavenger hunt to get them outdoors exploring the signs of winter:
4. Plan, Predict, Prepare
Surprises are lovely for adults, but not so much for small humans whose sense of safety comes from knowing what’s ahead.
A simple “Here’s what we’re doing tomorrow” chat can transform a stressful outing into a manageable one.
Big events? They often need even more prep time, visual cues, or extra conversations.
Predictability = security so take the time to cue what's coming up to reduce stress for little ones.
5. Reduce the Present Mountain
Social media makes it look like every child is waking up to a whole department store’s worth of gifts.
But too many presents at once can actually overwhelm children, leaving them disengaged and overstimulated.
Less truly is more.
One special gift + a few smaller ones = freedom to enjoy, explore, and actually play.
Take time to open each gift and play with it, rather than ripping through the pile then having a a deflated sense of, so what's next?
6. Give More, Consume Less
One of the most beautiful things we can model is that Christmas isn’t about accumulating things, it’s about connection, kindness and community.
Volunteer together, donate toys, bake biscuits for neighbours, choose a charity to support as a family.
Children become grounded when they learn that giving matters more than getting.
4 Tips for a Sane and Simple Holiday With Children
1. Just Say No (Truly. Practice It.)
December invites us to stretch ourselves thin: eight family gatherings, two school events, a work party, a friend’s party, and that Christmas market you saw on Instagram.
You do not need to attend everything.
Say no with love. Stay home with cocoa.
Protect your peace and your child’s nervous system.
Presence beats presents and obligations every time.
2. Set Yourself Up for Success
Whether you’re a planner or a fly-by-the-mistletoe type, a little early prep goes a long way.
A few ideas:
- Buy presents early on if you can, leaving December clear for festive fun.
- Wrap presents as you buy to avoid epic wrapping marathons.
- Keep “busy baskets” or a sensory bin ready for little hands.
- Stick to familiar activities - big new skills can wait for January.
- Leave whole days blank on purpose.
- Embrace the easy meals like soup, beans on toast, even store bought if you need to.
This season is not the time for perfection. It’s the time for breathing space.
3. Take It Easy (No, Really.)
Perfectionism is December’s favourite trap.
You don’t need 10 types of homemade cookies, colour-coordinated wrapping paper, or a Christmas movie moment captured in golden-hour lighting.
Do the basics. Do what you enjoy. Outsource or skip the rest.
Gift wrap stations? Yes please.
Online shopping? Absolutely.
Simplify, simplify, simplify.
4. Prioritise What Actually Matters
Make a list of everything you think you want to do.
Then circle the handful of things that truly matter to you or your family this year.
Let the rest fall away.
It will be back next December.
This is how you create the holidays you actually want instead of the ones December pressure-cooks you into.
And Above All… Enjoy Them
Look at your child’s face. The wonder, the delight, the innocence.
That’s what we’re protecting when we slow December down.
Keep it simple. Keep it soft.
Choose connection over chaos, rhythm over rush, and presence over perfection.
You’re doing beautifully, Mama.
Happy, gentle holidays. 🎄✨
More Christmas parenting tips:
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