How to Create a Calm Christmas Morning Routine You’ll Love

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Christmas morning can be magical, but it can also be chaotic. Like really chaotic.

You’ve got to prepare breakfast, manage excited kids, and coordinate gift exchanges. It’s easy for the morning to spiral into stress for moms.

I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be like that.

If you’ve got a well-planned Christmas morning routine, you can find your calm amid the craziness so you and your family have a more joyful experience.

Here’s how to create a calm Christmas morning routine that sets the stage for a peaceful day of celebration.

Start in Advance

I know this one can be tricky and, honestly, a little annoying. I start thinking about Christmas in late August or September. For me, it’s out of necessity.

We’re a family of four, and three of us have birthdays in October and November. I have no choice but to get my act together early—otherwise, I’m left scrambling to get everything done after that last birthday in November.

I try to get all the gift planning and buying out of the way super early to ensure my Christmas morning routine isn’t affected. If you’d like some gift ideas for your kids, check out my 2024 Gift Guide for Cool Little Kids!

Here are a few tips to help you prepare:

• Wrap presents early: Don’t leave gift wrapping on Christmas Eve. I’ve done this too many times, resulting in a very late night and a very tired Christmas Day. Having your presents wrapped and ready days in advance is a good idea to avoid a late-night scramble. If you don’t have a big block of time to finish it, wrap one or two a day in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
• Set out breakfast: A delicious breakfast can add joy to your Christmas morning. Plan and prepare ahead. Set the table the night before and have the ingredients ready. Consider making an overnight casserole or using a programmable slow cooker that can cook while you sleep so you wake up to a warm meal without the hassle.
• Prepare your Christmas outfit: Get your outfit set out the night before. Whether cozy pajamas or a festive sweater, knowing what you’ll wear helps you feel organized and reduces decision fatigue in the morning.
• Create a simple to-do list: In the weeks leading up to Christmas, write down any tasks you must complete on Christmas morning. Make sure you don’t add too many things—otherwise, you’ll miss out on the festivities.

By handling as much as possible leading up to the holiday, you’ll wake up on Christmas morning with fewer things on your mind, helping you to be present in the moment.

Set an Early Alarm for Personal Time

I know this one isn’t for everyone, but one of the things you can do to have a calm Christmas morning routine is to take time for yourself before the day begins.

Set your alarm 30 minutes to an hour earlier than everyone else, and give yourself much-needed alone time to prepare mentally.

• Enjoy a peaceful moment: Sip a warm cup of coffee or tea while soaking in the quiet as a gift to yourself. Consider using a programmable coffee maker that brews your favorite cup of coffee before you even wake up.
• Practice mindfulness: Try incorporating a short meditation or breathing exercises into your routine. A few minutes of mindfulness can help you stay grounded and more present throughout the day.
• Stretch or do light exercise: Physical activity, like yoga or simple stretching, can help boost your mood and give you energy for the busy day ahead. Check out these yoga mats that are perfect for a morning stretch session.

Having this personal time in your Christmas morning routine helps you start the day with a sense of calm and readiness. You’ve likely been running around like crazy leading up to the big day, so some time to yourself is well deserved.

Create a Family-Friendly Breakfast Routine

Breakfast is essential to any Christmas morning routine, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Opt for easy, family-friendly meals that everyone will love.

• Make-ahead breakfast: Consider preparing a breakfast casserole or a batch of overnight oats the night before. You could also use a waffle maker  for quick, festive waffles that kids can help decorate. We often will do a cinnamon bun baked oatmeal on Christmas morning. We cook it for about half the time the night before and then pop it in the oven while the kids open their stockings.
• Set up a self-serve station: Encourage independence by setting up a breakfast bar with yogurt, fruit, and toppings. This allows everyone to customize their meal while taking one more task off your plate.
• Use festive tableware: Pull out Christmas-themed dishes and mugs to make breakfast feel special without adding extra work. These holiday plates  are not only festive but also super cute.

By simplifying breakfast and making it fun, you can focus more on enjoying the moment with your family rather than stressing over food prep.

Simplify Gift Opening

Gift opening is often the highlight of Christmas morning, but it can quickly become a frenzy. Adding structure to this part of your Christmas morning routine can help maintain a calm atmosphere.

• Take turns opening gifts: Instead of everyone tearing into their gifts at once, encourage family members to take turns. This slows down the process, allowing each person to enjoy their moment in the spotlight and appreciate their gifts.
• Assign a “gift helper”: Choose one person to distribute gifts. This prevents chaos and keeps the process organized. You can rotate who plays this role each year, making it a fun family tradition.
• Clean as you go: Have a few bags ready for wrapping paper and recycling. Cleaning up as you go helps prevent a mess from piling up, which can lead to stress.

Adding a bit of structure to the gift exchange will create a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Keep a Flexible Schedule

A plan is helpful, but flexibility is vital to a calm Christmas morning routine. Kids may wake up earlier than expected, or breakfast might take longer than you expect.

You really need to go with the flow and not feel tied to a rigid schedule. Focus more on a general order of things so you don’t lose your mind when things don’t go exactly as expected.

• Prioritize what matters: Focus on what’s most important to you. Is it making sure you get a few minutes to yourself, or maybe making sure that you’ve got more stress-free family time? Whatever it is, make it a priority, and don’t worry too much about the little things that don’t go according to plan.
• Allow extra time for transitions: People often have difficulty transitioning from one thing to the next (kids especially!). Leave room between activities to relax and enjoy each other’s company. This also gives kids time to play with their new toys without feeling rushed to move on to the next thing.
• Be prepared for unexpected events: Things can happen, whether a spill or a meltdown. Kids get so worked up and excited it can be overwhelming for them. Keeping a calm attitude and being flexible will help you navigate the morning with less stress.

This one is difficult for me. I struggle a lot when plans change or things don’t go how I was hoping.

It’s something I actively work on and prep myself for mentally ahead of time.

Incorporate Simple Family Traditions

Traditions add a special touch to your Christmas morning routine, but there’s no need to overcomplicate it. Keeping them simple makes them easier to enjoy.

• Holiday music: Start the morning with some cheerful holiday tunes. We have a playlist of all our favorite Christmas songs, and we use a Bluetooth speaker to stream them while we go about our morning. It sets a festive mood!
• Christmas morning walk: Consider going for a short family walk after breakfast if the weather allows. This is a great way to get some fresh air and take a peaceful break before diving into the day’s activities.
• Gratitude practice: After opening gifts, take a moment to share something you’re grateful for. This encourages a positive mindset and helps everyone focus on the season’s meaning.

These simple traditions help create lasting memories without adding unnecessary stress to your Christmas morning routine.

Take Breaks and Pace Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of Christmas morning, but remember to pace yourself. If you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, taking a break is okay.

• Set up a cozy relaxation spot: Designate a comfy chair or couch as your go-to relaxation spot. Have a blanket, a book, or a cup of tea waiting for you. This is a great way to recharge after a busy morning.
• Let kids play independently: After the initial excitement of gift opening, allow your kids some time to enjoy their new toys while you take a few moments for yourself.
• Listen to your body: If you need a quiet moment, don’t hesitate to step away and breathe. A few minutes of alone time can help you reset and return to the festivities feeling refreshed.

Pacing yourself throughout the morning is essential for maintaining a sense of calm.

Practice Some Gratitude

As the morning winds down, take a moment to reflect on the day. Incorporating gratitude into your Christmas morning routine can help shift your focus from the hustle of the holiday to what truly matters.

• Write a thank-you note: After the morning festivities, consider writing a thank-you note to family members or even to yourself for all the hard work you put into the holiday. This small act can foster a sense of gratitude and joy.
• Reflect on the morning: Spend a few minutes journaling about what went well and what brought you the most joy. This simple reflection can help you savor the memories and carry a positive mindset for the day.

Wrap Up Your Christmas Morning Routine

Creating a calm Christmas morningroutine is all about preparation, simplicity, and flexibility.

Planning ahead, taking time for yourself, and focusing on meaningful moments with your family can transform a potentially hectic morning into a peaceful, joyful experience.

Incorporate these tips into your Christmas morning routine, and remember: a calm and happy mom sets the tone for a peaceful and happy holiday.