Creating Joy and Calm for Kids This Holiday Season

(Written by Emily Thomas)

The holiday season is filled with joy, excitement, and celebration, but let’s be honest—it’s also a lot to handle. For children, especially, the whirlwind of activities, changes in routines, and overstimulation can lead to stress and overwhelm. As parents and caregivers, it’s important to recognize how these shifts can affect kids and to have a few simple strategies in place to help them feel supported. Sitters play a key role in providing stability and calmness during this busy time, creating a nurturing environment while parents are managing holiday errands or attending events.

One of the first steps in supporting children’s mental health during the holidays is to recognize how stress might show up. Kids may not always tell you outright that they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, but you’ll notice it in other ways. Maybe your normally bubbly child seems more irritable or has more meltdowns than usual. Perhaps they’re withdrawing from activities they typically enjoy or having trouble sleeping. These are signs that children might need extra emotional support as the season gets busy.

Here are some strategies that parents, caregivers, and sitters alike can use to keep things calm and supportive for children during the holidays.

Strategies for Managing Holiday Stress

• Maintain Familiar Routines
  Consistency helps children feel grounded, even when the holiday calendar is packed. Sitters can support this by sticking to the family’s regular meal, nap, or bedtime routines. Even small touches of normalcy, like reading the same bedtime story or offering a favorite snack, can provide comfort.

• Practice Breathing Exercises
  Teach children simple ways to calm themselves when they feel overwhelmed. Sitters can turn these into fun moments by saying, “Let’s blow up an imaginary balloon!” or encouraging kids to imagine they’re smelling a flower and blowing out a candle. These exercises are quick, easy, and effective for helping children regain their calm.

• Incorporate Physical Movement
  Movement is a fantastic way to burn off excess energy and manage stress. Pulling together a quick dance-off, playing a game of freeze tag, or going for a walk to explore holiday decorations in the neighborhood are all activities that not only lift children’s spirits but also help release pent-up energy.

• Create a Calm Zone at Home
  Parents can set up a cozy corner with pillows, blankets, books, and quiet activities like coloring supplies or sensory toys. Once established, anyone who is caring for the children can guide them to this space when they seem overstimulated or need a break, helping them learn to self-regulate.

Activities Sitters Can Incorporate During Holiday Care

Sitters often have a unique opportunity to offer kids meaningful experiences while supporting their mental well-being. The holidays often bring a flood of commercials, holiday specials, and screen-based excitement, which can sometimes overstimulate kids. Babysitters can help balance screen time with calming activities like puzzles, board games, or building with blocks. If screen time is part of the day, choose gentle, family-friendly programs and take breaks to discuss the themes or characters to keep kids engaged and grounded.

Here are some holiday-themed ideas that can keep kids engaged and calm:

• Holiday Gratitude Tree
  Help children cut out paper leaves or ornaments, write down one thing they’re thankful for on each, and hang them on a small tree or a string across the wall. This fosters a positive mindset while being a fun and creative activity.

• Mindful Craft Time
  Create simple crafts that encourage focus and relaxation, such as coloring mandalas, making homemade ornaments, or decorating paper snowflakes. The process can be calming, and kids feel proud of their creations.

• Calming Story Time
  Read holiday-themed books in a soothing voice, especially during quieter moments of the day. Stories like The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats or Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson can help children unwind and connect to the magic of the season.

• Simple Baking Projects
  Baking together can be therapeutic and fun. Sitters can guide children in decorating cookies or assembling a simple no-bake treat like cereal marshmallow clusters. Focus on the process, not perfection, to keep the activity lighthearted.

• Holiday Yoga Adventures
  Introduce kids to yoga with poses themed around the holidays. For example, they can be a “snowflake” by lying on their back with arms and legs stretched out or a “candy cane” by bending into a forward fold. It’s a fun way to stretch and de-stress.

Why Sitters Are Key Allies in Supporting Children’s Mental Health

Sitters often step in during some of the busiest holiday moments, providing much-needed consistency and care for children. By incorporating mindfulness practices, encouraging emotional regulation, and engaging kids in meaningful activities, babysitters can create a calm and supportive environment that helps children thrive.

As you navigate the holiday season—whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or sitter—remember that the best gift you can give a child is your patience, presence, and love. Together, you can turn the holidays into a time of connection, comfort, and cherished memories.