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Parent hack: Bring your own healthy snack stash. Your child may not eat the kale salad at the buffet, but they%u2019ll happily munch crackers and cheese between sugar binges.Have a Meltdown PlanEven with the best intentions, kids will sometimes melt down. Instead of getting caught off guard, plan for it.%u2022 Identify a quiet corner or step outside for a breather.%u2022 Pack comfort items like a stuffed animal, noise-canceling headphones, or afavorite blanket.%u2022 Keep snacks and water on hand.%u2022 Sometimes all kids need is space, a cuddle, or a moment to reset.Give Kids a Role in the MagicWhen kids feel included, they%u2019re less likely to act out. Let them stir the cookie dough, hang ornaments, pass out napkins at a party, or choose a carol for the family playlist.The more ownership they feel, the less likely they are to push back or melt down when things get busy.Keep Directions Simple and LightWe%u2019ve all been there: %u201cSit still, smile, and don%u2019t move!%u201d usually ends in frustration for everyone. Instead, give playful prompts that keep the mood fun.%u201cEveryone look at Dad and make your silliest face.%u201d%u201cRace to the tree like you%u2019re chasing Santa.%u201d%u201cWhisper your favorite cookie flavor to your sister.%u201dWhen the focus is on fun, kids are more cooperative %u2013 and you%u2019ll capture genuine smiles in the process.Watch for OverstimulationThe holidays are a sensory explosion: music, lights, people, food. For some kids, it%u2019s simply too much. Watch for early signs that they are getting overwhelmed %u2013 fidgeting, irritability, covering ears %u2013 and intervene before it turns into a meltdown.Sometimes, a quick break outside or a quiet game away from the crowd is all it takes.Say No (Even if It%u2019s Hard)There%u2019s pressure to do it all: every event, every craft, every tradition. But sometimes, less really is more.Pick the activities that matter most to your family and let the rest go. It%u2019s better to enjoy a handful of meaningful traditions than to rush through dozens while everyone feels exhausted.Parent permission slip: You don%u2019t have to attend every holiday event. You don%u2019t have to make every cookie from scratch. You don%u2019t have to create a Pinterest-worthy December. Your kids will remember how the holidays felt, not how they looked.Prioritize Connection Over PerfectionAt the heart of every tradition is the chance to connect. Whether it%u2019s a holiday movie marathon, driving around to see lights, or making gingerbread houses that collapse into piles of frosting, what matters is being together.Kids won%u2019t remember that the wrapping paper matched the tree. They will remember laughing on the couch in pajamas.Give Yourself GraceParenting during the holidays isn%u2019t easy. There will be meltdowns %u2013 sometimes from the kids, sometimes from us. But giving yourself grace makes all the difference.It%u2019s okay if things don%u2019t go as planned. It%u2019s okay to order pizza on a busy December night. It%u2019s okay to take a moment to breathe before answering your child%u2019s fifteenth request for hot cocoa. The magic of the holidays doesn%u2019t come from perfection; it comes from presence.Final WordHoliday meltdowns happen. They don%u2019t mean you%u2019re doing anything wrong as a parent; they simply mean kids are kids. With a little preparation, realistic expectations, and a whole lot of grace, you can help your family enjoy the magic of the season %u2013 without the tears stealing the spotlight.Because at the end of the day, the best holiday memories aren%u2019t the ones that look perfect; they%u2019re the ones you share together.907-416-3500Homer, AK & Teletherapyhopemends@gmail.comMending hearts,Mending relationships,Mending life...because there's HopeVanessa P. Perry, LPC, PMH-CPerinatal PsychotherapistBecome a Girl Scout Volunteer!No experience necessary.New Daisy (K-1st grade)& Brownie (2nd-3rdgrade) troop leaders getcomplimentary monthlyboxes filled withactivities and supplies.Girl Scoutschange the world.You can change their lives.Contact us at (907) 248-2250 orcustomercare@girlscoutsalaska.org.Learn more about us atwww.girlscoutsalaska.orgAlaskaParent.com winter 2025/26 alaska parent 11