The festive season brings joy, excitement, and a lot of chaos, especially for parents trying to juggle everything while keeping their kids calm and content. With all the events, sweets, and bustling celebrations, managing kids during the festive season can feel overwhelming. Here are 10 parenting hacks to help you enjoy the festivities without losing your sanity, all while ensuring your little ones remain calm and happy.

1. Stick to Some Routines

While it may seem impossible, maintaining at least a few everyday routines, like consistent meals and bedtimes, can help your kids feel grounded. The excitement of festivals often disrupts regular schedules, which can lead to overtired and cranky children. By sticking to familiar patterns, such as nap times or bedtime routines, you can avoid unnecessary meltdowns. Keeping things familiar will help in keeping kids calm during festivals​.

2. Plan Breaks Between Events

The festive season often means hopping from one event to another, but kids can get overwhelmed. Make sure to schedule some downtime between celebrations. Whether it’s quiet time with a book or a short nap, these breaks will help your child recharge and manage the sensory overload. Parenting tips for festivals suggest balancing high-energy activities with calming moments.

3. Involve Kids in Preparations

Kids feel more in control and less anxious when they have a role to play. Get them involved in small tasks like decorating, making cards, or even helping with snacks. When they feel they’re part of the celebration rather than being dragged from one event to another, their energy shifts to excitement rather than frustration. Letting them contribute helps with managing kids during the festive season​.

4. Set Realistic Expectations

Parents often want everything to go perfectly during the festive season. However, kids may not always behave as expected—especially when tired or overstimulated. Set realistic expectations for both yourself and your kids. Acknowledge that some things might not go as planned and that’s okay. This mindset will help everyone stay more relaxed​.

5. Create a Calming Festive Activity

In the middle of all the high-energy celebrations, create a calming activity to help your kids decompress. Reading a festive book together, doing a simple holiday craft, or even watching a family-friendly festive movie can act as a soothing break. Books like "The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving" can teach kids the essence of festivals while calming them down​.

6. Encourage Sharing and Giving

Festivals often bring out a sense of "I want" in kids, especially when it comes to gifts. Combat this by focusing on the joy of giving. Get your child involved in giving back, whether it’s preparing small gifts for family members or participating in a local charity. This shift from receiving to giving helps them appreciate the season in a balanced way and can reduce holiday stress.

7. Prepare a Festive Kit for Kids

Festive events can last for hours, and kids get restless. Pack a small festive kit with their favourite snacks, a toy, or a colouring book to keep them occupied during long events or parties. This will help keep them entertained, reducing chances of boredom-induced tantrums, and ensure they have something familiar in unfamiliar settings.

8. Teach Breathing or Calming Techniques

Yes, even young kids can benefit from simple breathing exercises. Before heading to a busy family gathering or event, teach your kids a fun breathing technique to help them calm down when they feel overwhelmed. You could call it “dragon breathing” where they imagine blowing out a flame. This fun and engaging way helps them manage their emotions in over stimulating situations.

9. Limit Sugary Treats

Festive treats are everywhere, but too much sugar can lead to hyperactivity followed by crashes. Try to limit sugary snacks and balance them with healthier options like fruits or small meals. Keeping your child fueled with balanced food can prevent sugar-induced energy spikes and crankiness.

10. Emphasise the True Spirit of the Festivities

Finally, amidst all the material gifts and celebrations, take time to talk to your kids about the true meaning of the festival. Whether it’s about family, gratitude, or togetherness, focusing on the deeper aspects of celebrations can help your kids feel more connected and calm. Books like "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein can beautifully illustrate the message of giving and sharing during the holidays.

Suggested Books to Help You Through the Festive Season:

1. "The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving" – A heartwarming tale that teaches kids about the importance of giving during the festive season.
2. "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein – A classic that emphasises the beauty of giving and sharing.
3. "Bear Stays Up for Christmas" by Karma Wilson – A lovely book to keep kids engaged while teaching the value of friendship and celebration.

Gentle Reminder!

The festive season is a magical time, but it can also be overwhelming for both parents and kids. By following these festive season hacks for parents, you can manage the excitement, keep your kids calm, and focus on creating beautiful memories. Remember, it’s not about a perfect celebration, but one filled with joy, togetherness, and love.