Page 10 - Demo

The holiday season sparkles with magic. Twinkling lights, sweet treats, and festive traditions fill our calendars. For parents, this time of year often comes with a mix of joy and exhaustion. For kids, the same excitement that makes the holidays special can also lead to tears, tantrums, and meltdowns right when you%u2019re trying to snap that perfect holiday photo.If you%u2019ve ever carried a sobbing child out of a holiday concert or found yourself negotiating with a candy-cane-fueled preschooler, you know the struggle is real. But here%u2019s the good news: with a few intentional strategies, families can enjoy the wonder of the season without falling apart in the process.Here%u2019s how to keep the holidays merry and meltdown-free (well, at least meltdown-less).Stick to Routines (as Much as You Can)Kids thrive on predictability. While the holidays often mean late nights, skipped naps, and travel, keeping some routines helps kids feel grounded.Try to keep meals and bedtimes close to normal, even if it means leaving a party a little earlier. If bedtime is non-negotiable at your house, explain that to family and friends ahead of time. You%u2019ll thank yourself later when your child is more rested %u2013 and less likely to unravel over the wrong color cookie frosting.Pro Tip: Keep a few comfort routines consistent, like reading a bedtime story or lighting an Advent candle, even if everything else feels upside down.Prep Kids for What%u2019s ComingSurprises are fun when it comes to gifts, but not always when it comes to schedules. If kids don%u2019t know what%u2019s happening, they%u2019re more likely to resist or feel overwhelmed.Before a holiday gathering, walk kids through the plan:%u201cWe%u2019ll go to Grandma%u2019s at 2:00.%u201dBy Rebecca HastingsHoliday MagicWithout theMeltdown%u201cDinner will be later than usual, so we%u2019ll bring a snack.%u201d%u201cThere will be a lot of cousins, and you can bring your favorite toy for a break.%u201dWhen kids know what to expect, they%u2019re better able to handle it.Set Realistic Expectations (for Everyone)We all picture holidays like a movie: kids dressed in matching outfits, everyone laughing, not a single tear in sight. Reality? Someone spills cocoa, someone else refuses to smile for photos, and at least one kid cries because the cookies don%u2019t have enough sprinkles.The sooner we let go of perfection, the freer we are to enjoy the actual moments happening around us. Kids don%u2019t need flawless holidays; they need parents who can laugh, hug, and roll with the chaos.Parent reminder: The photo where your toddler is scowling at Santa will be the one everyone remembers %u2013 and laughs about %u2013 for years.Build in DowntimeThe holidays can feel like a sprint from one event to another so schedule downtime like you would schedule parties: pajama mornings, a quiet story by the tree, or even a family nap.Not only does this give kids a break from the noise, but it also helps preserve the joy in the busy moments.Choose Treats WiselyBetween candy canes, frosted cookies, and holiday punch, kids can quickly hit sugar overload. And we all know what follows: hyper energy, then tears.Help kids balance treats with protein-rich snacks. A cheese stick, apple slices with peanut butter, or trail mix before a party can prevent the sugar rollercoaster.10 alaska parent winter 2025/26 AlaskaParent.com