The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but for young children, it can also be overwhelming. Christmas brings big changes to their daily routines, with unpredictable events, new environments, and an influx of sensory experiences like unfamiliar smells, sights, and sounds. While many children enjoy the excitement of Santa and presents, others may feel apprehension or even stress. Understanding these responses and navigating them with care can help ensure that Christmas is a positive and nurturing time for young children.
The Impact of Christmas on Young Children
For young children, predictability and routine are essential to feeling safe and secure. Christmas, with its many events, visitors, and disruptions to the norm, can create uncertainty and dysregulation. Here are some common experiences children may face during the festive season:
Unfamiliar Environments: Visiting relatives, holiday outings, or changes to home decor (like a Christmas tree or lights) may unsettle children.
Sensory Overload: The combination of loud music, strong smells, bright lights, and bustling environments can overwhelm young senses.
Apprehension Around Santa: While Santa may bring excitement, the concept of a stranger entering the home or expectations around behaviour (“be good for Santa”) can create anxiety.
Emotional Responses: For children staying at home with family more than usual, the absence of regular childcare routines might bring clinginess or dysregulation. Returning to nursery after the holidays may then feel daunting, leading to unhappiness or reluctance.
Tips for Supporting Children During the Festive Season
Here are some strategies to help navigate the festive period and ensure young children feel safe, supported, and included:
1. Prepare for Transitions
Communicate Ahead of Time: Talk about what will happen during Christmas events, using clear and simple language. Visual aids like a festive calendar can help children anticipate changes.
Offer Predictability: Maintain familiar routines where possible, such as consistent mealtimes or bedtime rituals, even during busy days.
Provide Transitional Objects: Let children bring a favourite toy or blanket when visiting unfamiliar places to offer comfort.
2. Be Mindful of Sensory Overload
Create Quiet Spaces: Designate a calming area where children can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This could include soft lighting, cushions, and quiet activities.
Monitor Stimulation: Be aware of how much noise or activity is present. Consider offering breaks between events or opting for quieter celebrations.
3. Foster Emotional Safety
Validate Feelings: Let children express how they feel, whether it’s excitement, worry, or frustration. Use emotion coaching to help them navigate these feelings.
Avoid Pressure: Skip overly rigid expectations, like sitting still for long periods or interacting with unfamiliar people if they’re not ready.
4. Cultivate Gratitude and Mindfulness
Model Thankfulness: Share simple gratitude practices, such as naming something you’re thankful for during the day. Encourage children to think about what they enjoyed most about their day.
Focus on Connection: Emphasise time spent together rather than gifts or performance. Reading stories, baking cookies, or playing together are great ways to create lasting memories.
5. Prepare for Nursery Re-entry
Acknowledge Transition Challenges: After spending more time at home, some children may find returning to nursery difficult. Offer reassurance and plan gradual transitions where possible.
Provide Consistency: Reintroduce routines in small steps, such as re-establishing bedtime schedules before returning to childcare.
Build Connection: Spend extra time reconnecting with your child through play or gentle activities before drop-offs.
Supporting Children Who Struggle During the Holidays
For children who have experienced trauma, sensory sensitivities, or other challenges, Christmas can heighten feelings of unpredictability. A trauma-informed approach is especially helpful:
Be Compassionate: Understand that behaviour (such as clinginess or irritability) often communicates unmet needs.
Keep Things Simple: Avoid overwhelming children with too many activities or visitors at once.
Stay Attuned: Watch for signs of distress and provide reassurance when needed.
A Mindful, Child-Centred Festive Period
The holidays are an opportunity to strengthen bonds, model gratitude, and create a sense of wonder for children. By being mindful of their needs and experiences, you can navigate transitions, honour their feelings, and create a safe, joyful environment.
As we focus on connection and care, the true spirit of the season shines through, helping every child feel seen, valued, and loved—this Christmas and beyond.
Final Reflection for Parents and Practitioners
What small steps can you take today to make Christmas feel more secure and joyful for the children in your care? Whether it’s slowing down, simplifying activities, or creating predictable routines, every thoughtful action contributes to their well-being.
Together, we can make a difference.
Carly
Lead Consultant
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