A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
The Christmas season can be magical for children—a time filled with excitement, family traditions, and the joy of giving and receiving. However, for some, it can also be overwhelming. Supporting children during Christmas and holidays becomes crucial as disrupted routines, heightened emotions, and unmet expectations may lead to stress.
Why Christmas Can Be Difficult for Some Children
Sensory Overload
For some children, the change in routine and the many activities and events can be overstimulating and overwhelming.
Financial Strain on Families
The pressure to buy gifts and create magical experiences can be overwhelming for families facing financial hardship. Children can be sensitive to stressors and feel anxious.
Family Dynamics
For children in families experiencing separation, divorce, or conflict, Christmas can heighten feelings of instability. They may struggle with divided loyalties or miss absent family members.
Loss and Grief
For children who have lost a loved one, the holidays can amplify feelings of sadness and longing. Traditions that once brought joy may now serve as painful reminders of their loss.
Learn more about managing grief and healing after loss in our related article.
Social Isolation
Not all children have a strong support network of friends and family. For those who feel lonely, the season’s emphasis on togetherness can be alienating. For older children and teens, they may experience isolation from their peers.
Unrealistic Expectations
The “perfect Christmas” portrayed in the media can create unrealistic expectations and pressures, leaving children feeling disappointed when reality doesn’t match up.
Supporting children during Christmas and the holidays means being mindful of the challenges they may face and offering support to navigate these emotional and situational difficulties. Recognising these struggles is the first step toward ensuring children feel secure, understood, and cared for during the holiday season.
Recognising the Signs
- Children who find Christmas challenging may show signs of:
- Withdrawal from holiday activities.
- Increased anxiety or irritability.
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
- Sadness or frustration.
How to Support Children During Christmas and the holidays
- Develop a routine that is flexible but provides some structure in their day and week. Such as regular bedtimes or mealtimes.
- Check the schedule of events– is there time for your child to rest and recover between events? Are there many late nights or early mornings? Or long days?
- Can you create some ‘down time’ or moments of calm for your child to avoid being over stimulated? An example may be to take a gentle walk together where it is quieter, or a short drive in a quiet car.
- Being mindful that they are eating regularly– to avoid being hangry!
- Prepare for long travel or transitions between events by explaining what they can expect and pack comfort items
- Asking them how they would like to honour a lost loved one and acknowledge their emotions and concerns
- Involve older children in the planning- such as the decorating, choosing meals, or being asked their preferences.
- Allowing opportunity for teens to catch up with school friends over the school holidays
- Connect Connect Connect! – check in with your child and invite them to talk about things that are concerning them and how they feel.
How Sharon Can Help
Sharon, our child psychologist, understands the unique challenges children face during the holidays. Her compassionate approach helps children process their feelings and build resilience. Supporting children over Christmas and the holidays is a key focus of her work.
Through individual sessions or family consultations, Sharon can:
- Help children articulate their emotions in a safe environment.
- Equip families with tools and plans to navigate holiday stress.
- Provide strategies to create meaningful, pressure-free traditions.
- Support grieving children in honouring lost loved ones in a helpful and meaningful way.
As caring parents, it can be difficult to know what the right thing to do. Taking the guess work away and accepting support can help to reduce your worry and anxiety.
Making the Season Brighter
Christmas doesn’t have to be a season of stress for children. With the right support, they can find joy and meaning, even amidst challenges. Supporting children during Christmas and the holidays involves understanding their struggles and offering guidance where needed. If your child might be struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sharon for support.
We wish all families to have a safe and wonderful festive season and holiday!