The holiday season, while filled with joy and cheer, can also be a source of stress and anxiety, particularly for parents of young children. Disrupted routines, increased social interactions, and heightened expectations can make this time of year challenging. I have two young girls (two and a half and 10 months old) and whether we are traveling or hosting, added stressors pop up this time of the year. I find myself wondering how I’m going to flex my cooking skills for a crowd, while making sure to remember not to put any visible seasonings on the mac and cheese (that’s a hard no for a 2 year old!). If I’m traveling, I have to be sure to plan out the best time to leave – not based on traffic, but centered around napping and feeding schedules. During a time that should be spent relaxing with family, it’s easy for parents with young children to feel anxious and overstimulated before, during, and after a holiday event.
Let’s discuss some strategies to help you navigate the holidays with your little ones:
Embrace the Chaos
- Expect the Unexpected: Understand that holiday routines will be different. Be flexible and patient with yourself and your children. If you go into the day expecting that your child’s nap won’t happen at the usual time, it will feel less stressful in the moment if things get thrown off. If the routine happens as usual, it will feel like a pleasant surprise!
- Simplify Meal Planning: Focus on a few simple, crowd-pleasing dishes. Don’t feel pressured to prepare a gourmet feast on top of meal-prepping your child’s regular foods.
- Prioritize Health: While it’s lovely to share holiday traditions, remember to prioritize your child’s health. If you’re concerned about exposure to illness, gently decline invitations or limit visits. This can be a hard line to draw with grandparents or other relatives, but they won’t have to deal with the middle-of-the-night wake-ups if someone in your house gets sick!
Set Boundaries
- Communicate Your Needs: Let family and friends know your boundaries. If you’re uncomfortable with certain traditions, such as kissing babies, politely decline or establish this boundary before they come over.
- Limit Social Engagements: Overcommitting can lead to burnout. Choose a few important events to attend and prioritize quality time with your family.
Plan for Downtime
- Create Calm Spaces: Designate quiet areas in your home where children can retreat and relax. If you are feeding an infant, you can also take them upstairs to reduce distractions for both of you.
- Schedule Quiet Activities: Incorporate calming activities like reading, coloring, or building blocks into your holiday plans.
- Practice Self-Care: Take time for yourself to recharge. Even short breaks can help reduce stress.
By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy the holiday season without sacrificing your well-being or that of your children. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your family’s needs and to say no to additional stress. However you choose to plan holiday activities will still be memorable and special for your kids. They will cherish their time with an emotionally regulated parent who does a few simple activities with them more than a parent who is overstimulated while trying to do it all!
