Helping Families Stay Calm and Connected During the Holidays
The holidays have a way of amplifying everything. The joy feels bigger, the expectations feel heavier, and the emotions—especially for kids—can feel like they’re dialed all the way up. Families often imagine this time of year as cozy, magical, and full of connection. And it can be. But for many households, it also comes with disrupted routines, late nights, sensory overload, and moments where behaviour challenges seem to show up out of nowhere.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of caregivers tell us that the lead-up to the holidays is equal parts excitement and exhaustion. And when the schedule gets busy or unpredictable, children often express their stress through behaviour—tantrums, clinginess, big reactions, trouble listening, or withdrawing.
The good news: a few simple, realistic strategies can make home feel calmer, even in the busiest season of the year.
Why Holiday Stress Hits Families Hard
Routines Change—A Lot
Kids thrive on predictability, and December is full of exceptions: school concerts, family gatherings, travel days, later bedtimes. Even fun surprises can feel destabilizing to a child who relies on routine.
There’s More Noise, Lights, and People
From holiday music and bright displays to crowded events and new faces at gatherings, sensory input often spikes during this season. For some children, especially those who are anxious, neurodiverse, or sensitive to noise or transitions, this can feel overwhelming.
Expectations Build Up
Caregivers want to make the holidays “special.” Kids feel excitement—and pressure. Everyone is a little more tired than usual. That’s a perfect recipe for big emotions on all sides.
Old Stressors Resurface
This season can bring reminders of loss, family tension, or past difficult experiences. Caregivers may feel pulled in multiple directions, and children sense that emotional energy too.
Strategies to Help Your Family Stay Steady
At Strongest Families Institute, we see every day how small, consistent changes can help families feel more connected and confident. These tools are designed to work in real homes—not perfect ones.
1. Keep Predictability Where You Can
You don’t have to stick to your usual schedule hour-by-hour. Instead, aim for “anchors” in the day: consistent meal times, a familiar bedtime routine, or a morning check-in about what’s coming up. Kids feel safer—and behave better—when they know what to expect.
Try this:
Before a busy day, walk your child through the plan. “We’ll go to grandma’s house, have dinner, open one gift, and come home.” Simple, clear, and doable.
2. Build in Calm Breaks
Holidays can feel like a marathon of stimulation. Create small moments of rest: a quiet room at family gatherings, a short walk outside, colouring or reading between activities, or even five minutes of deep breathing together.
Even older kids benefit from intentional downtime. A reset moment can prevent a meltdown before it starts.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
It’s okay to keep things simple. You don’t need to attend every gathering or say yes to every invitation. Choosing one meaningful activity can be more enjoyable than trying to fit everything in.
Similarly, set realistic expectations for your kids. A long dinner, noisy room, and multiple new people may stretch their coping skills. When we adjust our expectations, we reduce stress for everyone.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement Early and Often
Praise the behaviours you want to see: using gentle words, taking a break, helping a sibling, trying something new, or staying calm. Children respond incredibly well to encouragement—especially when things feel busy around them.
A little connection goes a long way. Taking even 10 minutes for one-on-one time with your child can prevent bigger behaviour challenges later.
5. Prepare for Tricky Moments
If you know certain situations are challenging—waiting turns, long car rides, transitions—make a plan together.
- Pack a “toolkit” with snacks, toys, books, and comfort items.
- Practice what to do if your child feels overwhelmed: a signal word, a breathing exercise, or getting support from a caregiver.
Planning ahead gives kids confidence and reduces caregiver stress.
6. Model Self-Compassion
The holidays can be emotionally heavy for adults too. When you take breaks, say no to things that stretch you too thin, or acknowledge your own feelings (“I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a moment to breathe”), you’re teaching your child that it’s okay to take care of themselves.
If the Holidays Feel Hard, Support Is Here
Every family deserves to feel supported, especially during a busy, emotional season. SFI programs are free and accessible from home. Our trained coaches help families build practical skills that work in everyday life—even during holidays, travel weeks, or stressful seasons.
Whether you’re navigating tantrums, bedtime battles, anxiety, or behaviour challenges, our team is here to help you create a calmer home—one realistic step at a time.
Learn more about our programs and how to get started – How To Refer