The holiday season can be both magical and stressful, especially for parents juggling family traditions, gift-giving, and seasonal commitments. With so much going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Creating a parenting playbook for the holidays can help you stay organized, reduce stress, and ensure your family enjoys the season to the fullest. Here are seven tips from the experts, actual parents, to help you navigate the holidays with ease.
1. Set Clear Priorities
The first step in your holiday playbook is deciding what matters most. Whether it’s spending quality time with family, honoring traditions, or ensuring your children have a joyful holiday experience, identify your top priorities. This will help guide your decisions when faced with multiple commitments or requests.
“I think holidays should be spent primarily with close family and friends,” Nyjah Ruise, a mom of two children, ages 6 and 11, said in an interview with Parents.com. “[Decide] which would be adult versus kid-friendly. Choose one event for both mommy and daddy to have a good time and then one that the kids can enjoy with other kids.”
2. Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
Planning is essential for smooth holiday navigation, from scheduling family visits to managing holiday shopping. However, it’s equally important to stay flexible. Things might not go according to plan—delays, sickness, or unexpected changes are common. A flexible mindset will help you stay calm and adapt when things shift.
“Make it a priority to just be with each other. With clear minds and a willingness to help spread joy to one another. Our presence, open minds, and hearts are the biggest and best gift we could ever give and receive.”
3. Simplify Gift-Giving
Gift shopping can quickly become overwhelming, both financially and logistically. Consider setting a gift budget and sticking to it. Create a list of who you need to buy for and ideas to match their interests. For added simplicity, consider experiential gifts like memberships, classes, or family outings, which create lasting memories without the stress of finding the “perfect” item.
4. Incorporate Family Traditions or make your own
Family traditions are a key component of the holiday experience. Whether it’s decorating the tree, baking together, or reading holiday stories, these activities offer moments of connection and joy. If you don’t have established traditions, start one this year—something as simple as a movie night or a daily gratitude jar can become a cherished part of the season.
“We’re a family that values creating new traditions. We’ve always made it a priority,” Ayana Hardiway, a mother of a 6-year-old and a 7-year-old, said in the same interview. “Recently, we’ve decided to prioritize having ‘experiences’ through travel during the holidays, rather than spending money on toys that our children will likely play with for 24-36 hours.”
5. Don’t Overcommit
It’s easy to say “yes” to every invitation or request, but overcommitting can lead to burnout. Be selective with how you spend your time. It’s okay to say no or decline an event if it doesn’t align with your family’s values or your own well-being. Focus on the experiences that matter most.
6. Practice Self-Care
Parenting during the holidays can be exhausting. Remember to carve out time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes of quiet or a short walk outside. Self-care is essential for maintaining patience and energy. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of the season.
7. Emphasize Gratitude and Giving Back
The holiday season is an ideal time to teach children the values of gratitude and generosity. Involve them in acts of kindness, such as donating toys, volunteering, or simply expressing thanks for the blessings you have.
These small acts foster a sense of community and help children appreciate the true spirit of the season. A parenting playbook for the holidays is about balance, intention, and flexibility. By setting priorities, simplifying tasks, and nurturing both family connections and personal well-being, you can create a holiday season that’s both joyful and manageable for everyone involved.