Maximize Fun and Manage Stress This Holiday Season

The WGVU Education Team

• Published on November 29, 2021 • Last modified on November 30, 2021 • Comments

December is a busy month filled with family, frosty weather, and a much needed winter break.

As much fun as this time of year can be, December brings its challenges. We want so much to create memorable celebrations, but between parties, family commitments, community events, religious services, and inconsistent schedules, the holidays can be a time of stress for parents and children alike.

Manage your family's stress this holiday season with these tips:

Simplify the Holidays 5 minute read

Focus on meaningful traditions and activities that replenish rather than exhaust.
Gifts don’t have to be something expensive or even something bought - they can be an experience of spending time together making memories.
Ask your child what their favorite part of the holidays are - their answers might surprise you!
Lots of small moments add up - look for ways to create small, meaningful experiences.

Keep the “Happy” in the Holidays 5 minute read

Set healthy boundaries around events and celebrations you’ll attend in ways that best work for your family.
Keep a normal sleep schedule as much as possible.
As you plan, account for your child’s developmental needs and coping abilities.

Avoid Holiday Meltdowns 5 minute read

Find balance by coming back to the basics - what does my child need?
You know your child best - plan for what they can handle.
Have a plan to build emotional regulation skills.
Pack a portable coping kit that includes items that provide comfort, de-stimulate, encourage relaxation, and help de-stress.

Helping Kids Focus on What Matters During the Holidays 5 minute read

Spending quality time with loved ones can mean a lot more than material gifts. Talk about why and model it.
Set and communicate gift-giving boundaries. Encourage experiences as part of gift-giving.
Focus on all that your family is grateful for.
As a family, do something thoughtful or kind for someone else.

10 Experiences to Give This Holiday Season 5 minute read

7 Family Time and Learning Tips for the Holidays 5 minute read

15 Holiday Traditions from PBS KIDS and Viewers Like You 5 minute read

5 Meaningful Holiday Traditions for Kids 5 minute read

Turn the Holidays Green 5 minute read

31 Simple Activities to Do Before the New Year! 5 minute read

Maximize the fun with this WGVU passport to local winter fun during your winter break!

Spending quality time together while engaging in an activity or experience is a great way of creating emotional connections and building memories, while teaching your child about the world around them. As parents, we want our kids to always be learning, and learning is often most dynamic when combined with play. We've put together a series of FREE, fun and exciting activities to get your family started on your winter must-do list! Where will your adventure begin?

Make Your WGVU Winter Passport:

Printable Winter Passport

Printable Passport Stamps and QR Codes

Use this tutorial to fold your WGVU Winter Passport:

Click the stamps below to find free activities throughout West and Southwest Michigan to help fill your passport OR choose a favorite spot near you!