12/12/2025
Some excellent tips for families this Christmas; thanks to West Northumberland Family Hubs ❤️
How do you keep the magic of Christmas alive and avoid the meltdowns?
Christmas can feel overwhelming for children as routines change, and excitment builds. The bright lights and decorations can also be sensory overload! Here are some top tips for dealing with the festivities without being totally frazzled...
🎄Find ways to adapt Christmas traditions, so that they work for your family. The picture perfect pressure of social media can weigh heavy as we plan and prep. But all families are different, don't feel like you have to do something stressful just for the photos!
🎄Make things easy for yourself. If cooking a huge dinner on Christmas day adds stress, and takes you away from the kids, why not enjoy picky party food and do the roast on Boxing Day? Do what is comfortable for your family.
🎄Make allowances for emotional outbursts. There's lots going on for everyone, and it's not always as easy for children and young people to communicate their needs and feelings. Remember to keep the basics in mind. Are they hungry, or tired? Get onto their level and validate how they're feeling - "We've been waiting for a long time haven't we, I think you're feeling a bit frustrated." Sometimes that simple acknowledgment is enough.
🎄Keep your usual routine whenever possible. If you know that you're going out to spot Christmas lights later in the afternoon, keep your morning business as usual. Getting up, having breakfast, getting dressed all the same. Afterwards, try to stick with the usual evening plans, so that only one part of the day is different.
🎄Be honest with loved ones. Communicate your family's needs. If the big party you've been invited to will be too much for you or your child, see if there's an alternative. Arrange to come a little bit early and leave before things get too busy, or make a plan to see friends another day so no-one is missing out.
🎄Use a visual calendar so that everyone can see what's happening and when. Being aware of what's coming up, and when, will let everyone talk about any worries they might have, or share how they feel about an event.
🎄If siblings are fighting more than usual, how do we react? Teaching our children how to resolve conflict takes time, but is so worth the effort in the beginning. Give each child an opportunity to put their feeling across, no talking over each other. Repeat back to them the steps of what has happened. Give them the chance to work it out together- "how are you going to deal with this now?"
🎄Try to stay relaxed when plans unexpectedly change. Maybe you've queued to see Santa, and suddenly your little one doesn't want to any more... staying flexible and calm will help your child to manage their emotions too.
