Holiday hacks for parents – our top tips for a stress-free winter break

Our team has put together their best tips for surviving (and thriving!) through the winter holidays – check out our video on Instagram, and read on to explore more.

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Why does children’s behaviour change?

Disrupted routines, hyper highs and energy crashes: the Christmas break isn’t always peaceful. Excitement can get the best of us all, and it’s especially difficult for young children to make sense of, which means it’s harder for them to cope with big emotions.

Children thrive on structure, and the hectic nature of the holidays can leave them overstimulated and dysregulated. Some children might find the unpredictable nature of the festive celebrations a source of anxiety and stress.

And it’s not just the children who are busy and overwhelmed – parenting at this time of year can mean juggling gift giving, family gatherings and social commitments. It’s vital to keep your stress levels in check and look out for your own wellbeing, too. Children are extremely sensitive to the emotional state of their caregivers, so this is all the more reason for us to set the tone and provide a calming presence.

So, how can we help?

Plan and prepare

• Share expectations. For young children, the holiday season is full of unfamiliar situations, so it’s important to recap your family’s expectations for positive behaviour with them (e.g. we take turns; we say please and thank you) and remain calm and consistent when enforcing these boundaries. Build excitement and confidence by sharing details of the plan for the day. Recognise and encourage positive behaviour with praise. If your family traditions include Father Christmas, try not to ‘bargain’for desirable behaviour: “be good or you’ll get a lump of coal” will only confuse and worry little ones! ‍
• Tantrum-proof your holidays. Plan ahead for potentially overwhelming times, such as long car journeys and family celebrations. Pack a travel ‘treasure bag’ with exciting items to keep your child engaged and entertained. Make sure to schedule in some much-needed downtime, and perhaps provide a quiet, calm-down zone where your child can go to decompress from the day. Check out our other tips, helping you to cope with tantrums, here.

Practical action

• Stick to the non-negotiables. Keep your child’s routine flexible to fit in the fun – but make sure the key moments stay the same. Try to keep your child’s sleep and waking schedule, their meal times,and any special moments of their day such as story time, as consistent as possible. This supports your child’s physical and mental wellbeing by helping them feel secure and well-rested.‍
• Give your child a special role. Children love getting involved, and the winter holidays are the perfect chance for them to take on an age-appropriate job like decorating, setting the table, packing for a journey, or handing out gifts. This is a great time to talk about the joy of giving, too: even the youngest children can get involved in the holiday spirit by helping to make cards or choosing a gift for a loved one.

Magical moments

• Prioritise connection over perfection. Keep in mind that the holidays don’t need to be perfect to be magical – focus on quality time together as a family to make memories. Offer your child individual attention and affection to help them feel assured and valued throughout this busy season.‍
• Plan some simple, special activities. Be creative when coming up with ways to get your little ones involved in the fun,whether it’s cooking a festive feast, putting up decorations, or creating wintery works of art! Make sure to offer choices: get some fresh air on a nature walk, schedule in some quieter activities, and ask your child for their suggestions too.

With these research-backed tips, you’re all set to be in control of Christmas. Navigate the season with ease, and enjoy making special memories together.

Happy holidays from all of us here at MEplace, and best wishes for 2025!