12/12/2025
Supporting Anxious Children Through the Christmas Holidays
The build-up to Christmas can be absolutely lovely, and for a lot of children it can also feel intense. Routines shift, excitement builds, everything gets louder and busier, and their little nervous systems can start to wobble.
Here are a few gentle ways to help your child stay regulated over the holidays:
Keep a tiny bit of routine
You don’t need anything strict, just a few predictable touchpoints in the day. Regular mealtimes, a bedtime routine, or a quiet moment after busy outings. These small anchors help children feel safe.
Help the body slow down
Try a simple starfish breath. Hand out wide like a starfish, trace around each finger slowly with the other hand, breathe in on the way up, breathe out on the way down. It’s simple, grounding, and children usually take to it really well.
Create a cosy calm space
A blanket, a favourite book, something to colour or fiddle with. Just a small space where they can retreat when everything feels a bit too much.
Put words to the feelings
Naming the feeling helps take the fear out of it. “That feels like worry, doesn’t it?” or “Your tummy’s doing that fluttery thing.” It helps them feel understood and gives them back a sense of control.
Regulate with them
Your breath, tone, and pace really do set the pace for theirs. When you soften, they soften.
Give them a chance to decompress
After busy family gatherings or full-on days, children often need some quiet play, stories, drawing, or anything gentle that brings them back to themselves.
The holidays don’t have to feel overwhelming for sensitive children. With a few simple tools, they can feel safer, calmer, and more able to enjoy the magic of Christmas. And if your child needs a little extra support right now, I’m here if you need me.
