6 Tips for Managing Holiday Excitement and Stress in Children

1. Make Choices

December is packed with fun activities, one celebration rolling into the next. But when your child becomes overtired, the fun quickly disappears. Make conscious choices and plan some days with nothing scheduled. For example, the Christmas tree doesn’t need to go up immediately after Sinterklaas. Waiting a few days gives everyone time to recharge. If your child doesn’t want to join in, allow that space too. Is putting out a shoe for Sinterklaas causing stress or sleepless nights? Consider having Sint or Piet fill the shoe while you’re out for a walk or doing the shopping, so the tension around morning or evening disappears.

2. Be Open About What’s Coming

Listen to your child and ask questions about the festivities to understand what’s on their mind and what might cause anxiety – whether it’s the Sinterklaas news programme or the sound of fireworks. Talking about these events and any fears helps your child feel heard and can ease worries. Explain what will happen so your child knows what to expect. A countdown calendar can make things visual: how many sleeps until gift-giving, when the Christmas breakfast is, or when they’ll share treats at school. 

Want to surprise your child on Christmas morning or their birthday but know they struggle with anticipation? Tell them what to expect to avoid unnecessary stress.

3. Create Moments of Rest and Relaxation

To help children recover from all the excitement, good sleep and calm activities during the day are essential. Sensory or creative play – like kinetic sand, clay, or finger painting – can help process stimuli and clear the mind. Is your child bouncing off the walls or needing to release energy after an activity? Allow free play or outdoor movement! A walk in the woods for fresh air and a good run can work wonders.

4. Keep Structure

Make days as predictable as possible. Because the holidays are different, busy, and exciting, predictability offers security. Stick to regular meal, drink, and sleep times, and maintain familiar routines and agreements.

5. Gifts, Surprises, and Disappointments

December often means lots of presents – or at least that’s what many parents think. But children don’t need piles of expensive gifts. A smaller present that matches their wishes is just as meaningful.

When opening multiple gifts, children often stop paying attention to what’s inside – not on purpose, but because it’s overwhelming. Keeping it simple helps. Ultimately, being together matters most!

If your child feels sad about not getting something from their wish list, that’s okay. Don’t dismiss their feelings; talk about them. This helps children learn to manage emotions.

6. Show Understanding for Challenging Behaviour

Excitement can make listening harder and behaviour more challenging. Children can’t always regulate their own tension and may express it through unwanted behaviour. Be aware of this and show understanding.

Try to be patient and remember it’s temporary and part of the season. Getting angry or joking about “going to Spain with Sinterklaas” will only increase stress – and the behaviour that comes with it.