The Ready Child

Let’s be honest— December is a beautiful mess. Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, or just really loves twinkle lights and cookies, this season has a way of turning life upside down. With holiday parties, family interactions, travel schedules, cooking, housecleaning and holiday-gift shopping, life gets really busy. And if you’ve got young kids? Brace yourself.

The holidays—no matter your tradition—bring both joy and chaos: sugar highs, late nights, disrupted routines, and a whole lot of excitement. They also share the same heartwarming themes—lights, family, food, culture, and tradition. It’s a sensory explosion, and our little ones are right in the middle of it.

So how do we help them (and ourselves) stay grounded when the world smells like peppermint and everyone’s a little sleep-deprived? Here’s a fun, parent-friendly guide to keeping calm, keeping connected, and keeping your boots by the door—because outdoor play just might be your secret weapon.

Keep the Schedule (Mostly) Intact. Your child’s brain loves predictability. Try to keep bedtimes, meals, and routines as consistent as possible. That steady rhythm provides comfort and helps kids regulate when everything else feels out of control.

Balance the Treats. Let’s face it—treats are everywhere this time of year. Between school parties, cookie swaps, and well-meaning relatives, kids are surrounded by sugar. At home, try to balance things out with fruits, vegetables, and simple, nourishing snacks.
Save the extra-special sweets for the actual day (or night) of your family’s celebration. It keeps the holidays feeling magical—and everyone’s energy (and mood) a little more even.

Get Outside. Cold air, rosy cheeks, happy hearts. Outdoor play is nature’s reset button. Whether it’s a sled ride, a walk to see lights, or a backyard snow adventure, fresh air helps kids burn off energy, regulate emotions, and sleep better. Bonus: it works wonders for parents, too. When everyone is crashing and tempers are flaring, nothing beats a step (or a thousand steps) out the door.

Let Them Play. Amid the adult hustle, make time for unstructured play. It’s how children process big feelings and make sense of all the excitement. Whether they’re building, pretending, or dancing around the living room, play is their calm in the chaos—and it’s just as essential as any tradition.

Skip the Pinterest Pressure You don’t need 12 kinds of cookies or perfect handprint crafts. If your child wants to create, let it be simple and child-led. No one needs tears over glitter glue. Keep it joyful and low-stress—memories matter more than masterpieces.

Find Your Own Peace. Your child isn’t the only one who needs calm. Say no to the things that feel like too much. Take deep breaths. Step outside for a quiet moment. Laugh at the chaos when you can. Your calm presence helps your child feel safe—and makes the season more enjoyable for everyone.

So this year, let’s embrace the beautiful chaos with a deep breath and a warm coat. Let’s play outside, eat the cookie (but maybe not five), and remember that the holidays are about connection—not perfection. Your child doesn’t need magic—they need you: present, playful, and maybe little bit silly. Happy holidays, whatever you celebrate. May your days be merry, your nights restful, and your keep your boots by the door.