December hits and suddenly everything is ON. The invites start rolling in, everyone wants a catch-up, the group chats are buzzing and we’re over here trying to keep the littlie’s fed, rested and wearing something other than swimmers. You know what I mean. By the time Christmas actually arrives, most parents are running on coffee and the promise of a glass of wine once bedtime finally happens.
And the funny thing is that it is rarely the actual event that’s hard. It is the lead-up. Routines go pear shaped, sugar appears out of nowhere, someone refuses the shoes they’ve loved all year, someone else decides they’re “not going,” and suddenly you’re negotiating with a toddler like they run the entire household. I know, right?
Christmas events can be beautiful. But they’re also loud, bright and full of stimulation. Littlie’s feel all of that way more than us, which can make the whole thing a bit much. A few small tweaks can help things run a lot smoother, and maybe even make the day enjoyable for you too.
Here are some things that make a real difference.
Keep expectations real
Christmas events look gorgeous in photos. Real families are a little messier than that. Littlie’s do not care about arrival times or who has been waiting to see them. They’re just trying to figure out if they feel safe, comfortable and not too overwhelmed.
Before you commit to anything, ask yourself what actually works for your family that day. Do you need to stay the whole time? Could a shorter visit be enough? Does it make more sense for one parent to go while the other handles bedtime at home?
No need to be a hero about it. Do what works for your household.
Look after the basics
Most tricky moments come from tiredness, hunger or too much happening at once.
You do not need a perfect routine. A few simple go-tos are enough. A decent snack before you leave. A short nap at home or in the car. Ten minutes of quiet play before heading into a big event.
Once those boxes are ticked, everything else gets easier.
Pack an event kit
A tiny bag of lifesavers can change your whole outing.
A favourite snack. A drink bottle. A little toy or colouring set. Headphones if your child is noise-sensitive. Their comfort item. Wipes. Spare outfit.
Sometimes five minutes with something familiar is all they need to reset.
And yes, the snacks really do fix half of life’s problems.
Have an exit plan
This one is huge. Decide ahead of time that you can leave early if you need to. Saying “If it stops working for us, we go” removes so much pressure.
You’re not there to push through. You’re there to enjoy yourself where possible. Leaving early isn’t giving up. Sometimes it’s the smartest move of the whole day.
Give littlie’s something to do
Kids cope better when they feel included instead of dragged along.
Hand them the bonbons. Ask them to carry the Christmas cards. Let them choose where the family photo will be. Give older kids the “job” of taking a few pictures. Let toddlers ring the doorbell like it’s the best moment of their life.
A tiny responsibility can turn things around quickly.
Take mini breaks
Christmas events can be a lot. Instead of expecting your littlie to handle it all in one go, pop in a few quick breaks. Step outside for some air. Sit in a quiet corner. Take a short walk. Cuddle away from the noise.
Five minutes can make a world of difference.
And yes, you might also need the five-minute break. No judgement.
Don’t double-book yourself
December fills fast. It is tempting to say yes to everything, then wonder why everyone is melting down by the 20th.
Pick the events that matter. Leave breathing room between them. Say no without guilt. Rest days count too.
Future you will be very grateful.
Forget the “perfect Christmas moment”
The memories that stick never look like the photos we try to stage. They are the little moments.
A quick dance to carols. A toddler chasing bubbles. Sharing chips on the grass.
These are the things you remember. Not the matching outfits or the perfectly timed arrival.
Let the day be what it is. There is a lot of beauty in the simple bits.
Call in support when you need it
You do not have to do every event on your own. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for yourself is bring in help.
A babysitter can stay home with littlie’s while you go out, come to the event with you so you have an extra set of hands, or entertain the kids so you can host, cook or actually talk to an adult.
December is big enough. You’re allowed to make it easier.
Orly xxx
