15 Tips to Keep Kids Calm and Happy During Christmas Holiday Events
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
The holiday season is a magical time filled with Christmas lights, festive music, delicious treats, and exciting holiday gatherings. But Christmas holiday events can be overwhelming for kids.
Heck, even as an introverted adult, it can be a bit much for me sometimes!
The mix of excitement, new environments, and social interactions often leaves children overstimulated, leading to restlessness or meltdowns.
Same, kid, same.
But with a few thoughtful strategies, you can keep your little ones calm and happy during Christmas holiday events.
Read on for tips to help you enjoy the festive season with minimal stress and maximum joy.
1. Prep Them with a Game Plan
The most important thing to do is prep them ahead of time.
Kids thrive on routine, and while Christmas holiday events can be unpredictable, giving them a loose game plan can make a big difference.
Before heading out, explain what to expect at the event. For example, tell them who will be there, what activities there may be, and how long you’ll stay.
These are things even I like to know ahead of time, so I always make sure my kids know this info, too.
This will help set expectations and provide a sense of control, reducing anxiety.
2. Bring Comfort Items from Home
Bringing along a favorite comfort item can help your child feel secure in new environments.
Whether it’s a beloved stuffed animal, a cozy blanket, or even a particular toy, having a piece of home with them can provide comfort during Christmas holiday events.
These items can also be a great tool to calm them down if they start feeling overwhelmed.
3. Create a Special Goody Bag
Prepare a goody bag with fun activities to keep kids entertained and happy.
Fill it with small toys, coloring books, stickers, and snacks you know your child loves. This is especially helpful during moments when adults are chatting, and kids need something to do.
Having a few special surprises they can look forward to will help keep them occupied and less likely to get bored or restless.
You may also consider doing a few of these bags up if you’ll be there for a long time.
4. Keep Sugar in Check
Ok, so this one sounds diet culture-y, but hear me out.
I’m not saying to avoid sugar altogether. That’s next to impossible around the holidays (and not something I’d want to do myself).
We’re an “everything in moderation” household. My kids can have sugary treats every day if we have them.
We’ve been trying to teach our kids that some food has short energy, and some food has long energy.
Protein, fiber, and healthy fats have long energy—meaning they keep us full and let us play for a long time.
Sugar has short energy—meaning it fills our bellies for a short time and only gives us enough energy to play for a little while.
What we try to do is when my son has a sugary treat (like chocolate chips—these often even beat out Halloween candy!), we have him pair it with a long-energy snack.
Doing this has worked really well. I don’t find we have many meltdowns when we ensure he has a long-energy snack because he doesn’t get hungry so quickly. And he’s happy because he still gets treats regularly.
Now, if you’re unsure if there will be any long energy snacks where you’re going, it might be a good idea to pack some snacks to take with you. You could even bring them in fun holiday-themed containers!
5. Plan for Breaks and Quiet Time
Even during the most fun Christmas holiday events, kids may need a break from the noise and activity. If my nieces and nephew are there, my oldest will run until we go home!
He never wants to stop, but he often needs to stop, at least for a few minutes.
We look for a quiet corner or step outside for a short walk to give them (and us) a moment to reset.
Creating opportunities for downtime can help prevent overstimulation and keep them feeling calm and happy throughout the event.
You could even consider having a calming toy or activity to help them reset.
I got my son a liquid motion bubbler over the summer in one of the car bags while traveling (more about that in this post), and it’s probably his most played-with toy now—even months later! I highly recommend it for these situations.
6. Engage Them in Activities
Christmas holiday events often include a variety of activities like games, cookie decorating, and crafts. Engaging kids in these fun activities can keep them busy and focused, reducing the chances of boredom or acting out.
If the event doesn’t have planned activities for kids, consider bringing your own craft kit or a simple game to play.
There is no need to lug anything big around—you can get small travel games that fit right in your purse.
7. Involve Kids in Conversations
This one can be tough, especially if your children are pretty young. You’re likely craving that adult interaction.
It’s totally ok not to include them in every single conversation, but when we can engage them in the conversation, it means a lot to them.
My son is only four but often wants to “have a chat.” He doesn’t know how to start a chat—he just knows he wants to chat. When we have conversations, we definitely have to lead.
But when we do, you can see on his face how happy he is.
Ask them questions like, “What is your favorite Christmas memory?” or “Which Christmas gift are you most excited about?”
Involving kids in conversations makes them feel important and helps them stay connected rather than feeling ignored.
8. Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations
Before heading to Christmas holiday events, tell your kids your expectations and set boundaries.
Tell them what you expect from them, such as being polite, sharing toys, and using their inside voice. Let them know the consequences if they don’t follow the rules.
Make sure the consequences are something you’re willing to follow through with—otherwise, they may not believe you when you set boundaries next time.
This will help them understand what is expected and can prevent potential issues.
9. Make Sure They Get Enough Sleep
Holiday excitement can make bedtime a challenge, but overtired kids are more likely to have meltdowns during Christmas holiday events.
Try to stick to their regular sleep schedule as much as possible, even if it means leaving an event early. A well-rested child will be much happier and easier to manage.
My kids are pretty adaptable in this regard—we’ve been very lucky. But even they will have meltdowns if we don’t ensure they get appropriate sleep.
You also have to be careful of overstimulation at holiday events as that can tire them out more quickly.
If bedtime is a challenge after these events, consider having a holiday book they’re excited to read ready to go for reading before bed. This can help them calm their bodies down a little faster.
10. Have a Calming Strategy Ready
It’s always a good idea to have a calming strategy in your back pocket for when things start to go sideways.
This might include taking deep breaths together, doing a quick meditation exercise, or finding a quiet spot to sit with your child until they calm down. If you have a sensory seeker like me, having an arsenal of sensory fidget toys can be a lifesaver.
Having a go-to plan for calming your child can prevent a minor upset from becoming a major meltdown.
11. Bring Along Familiar Food
Picky eaters might struggle at Christmas holiday events, especially if the food is unfamiliar. As a picky eater myself, I’m always concerned about this.
Bringing a few of their favorite snacks or a small meal can ensure they have something they like, preventing hunger-induced crankiness.
This is particularly helpful if the event is a potluck or buffet with many new dishes.
12. Dress for Comfort
Dressing up is part of the fun of Christmas holiday events, but uncomfortable clothes can quickly irritate kids. This means they may struggle more than expected during your Christmas holiday events.
Choose festive yet comfortable outfits that your child can move freely in.
Avoid scratchy fabrics or tight shoes that might cause discomfort and crankiness.
You may even consider bringing them in Christmas jammies, depending on where this event is. They’ll be comfy, and it’ll be one less step to go through for bedtime.
13. Encourage Physical Activity
Kids have a lot of energy, and sitting still during long Christmas holiday events can be challenging for them. Encourage physical activity whenever possible.
Let them run around, play tag, or engage in a quick dance-off to burn off some of that extra energy if there’s space. A few minutes of active play can help kids release pent-up energy and return to the event feeling calmer.
If that isn’t an option, try to get them out for free play outside earlier in the day so they don’t have so much pent-up energy. Just make sure not to overdo it—otherwise, they may get overtired sooner than expected.
14. Teach Kids to Communicate Their Feelings
This one is an ongoing task, but it will really help you during these kinds of events.
Help your kids understand that it’s ok to feel overwhelmed or upset and teach them how to communicate those feelings.
Encourage them to tell you if they need a break, feel tired, or are getting hungry. You can address issues before they escalate by giving them the tools to express their emotions.
I’ve found that books like Calm Down Time have been really helpful in teaching our kids about their emotions and how to manage them properly.
15. End on a High Note
When you sense that your child is starting to get tired or cranky, consider leaving the event while they’re still in a good mood.
It’s better to end the day on a high note, with happy memories, rather than pushing through until they’re overtired and melting down.
In my experience, the switch can happen quickly, so I like to keep a close eye on my kids so I can keep tabs on how they’re feeling. Luckily, my 4-year-old is also starting to be able to tell me when things are beginning to feel overwhelming.
This will leave them with positive associations for future Christmas holiday events.
Bonus Tip: Have Fun Together!
Finally, remember that Christmas holiday events are meant to be fun and memorable. Try to relax and enjoy the experience with your kids.
This may feel difficult if you feel embarrassed about their bad behavior. But it’s always good to remember they’re still learning how things work in these situations. And luckily, most adults understand more than we realize.
Your positive attitude will be contagious, helping your children feel happy and at ease. Whether singing carols together, playing games, or simply taking in the festive atmosphere, these are the moments you’ll cherish for years to come.
Wrapping up your Christmas Holiday Events
Keeping kids calm and happy during Christmas holiday events doesn’t have to be stressful.
With a bit of preparation and a few thoughtful strategies, you can make sure everyone has a great time.
From bringing comfort items to preparing goody bags and setting clear expectations, these tips will help you easily navigate holiday gatherings. So, get ready to create joyful memories with your little ones and make this holiday season truly magical!
Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your family! Enjoy every moment of your Christmas holiday events with your little ones.
