Keeping Calm at Christmas: A Gentle Guide for Early Childhood Educators & Parents

December 11, 2025December 13, 2025Leave a comment

By:Mitra Dee©️ B.S. Elem Ed, Early Childhood Ed, Music Ed, MA General Ed

The Christmas season sparkles with excitement—twinkling lights, classroom parties, holiday songs, extra activities, and a thousand tiny moments that feel magical to young children.

But for the adults guiding them—teachers, caregivers, and parents—December can also feel loud, rushed, overstimulating, and full of expectations.

If you’ve ever found yourself whispering, “Just breathe” between glitter spills and sugar-cookie energy… you’re not alone.

In early childhood, calm is not the absence of noise—calm is the presence of connection. And connection is something we can choose to nurture, even in the busiest season of the year.

Here are a few simple reminders to help you and your little ones stay grounded, joyful, and peaceful during the holidays.

1. Keep Predictable Routines (As Much as You Can)

Children thrive when they know what comes next.

During December, schedules twist and turn—rehearsals, field trips, class parties, family gatherings.

Even a slightly predictable rhythm gives children a sense of safety.

Keep your morning routine steady.
Maintain nap and snack times when possible.
Use picture schedules to show “today is a special day.”
Prepare children with simple language: “Today will feel different. We will do this together.”

Consistency reduces anxiety—for them and for us.

2. Slow the Energy When It Starts to Rise

Holiday excitement grows quickly in little bodies. You will see it in bouncing feet, spinning dances, louder voices, and sometimes… meltdowns.

Create moments of mindful pause:

Soft Christmas instrumental music
Slow breathing with twinkly lights (“Smell the cocoa… blow out the candle…”)
A short picture book
One-minute stretches
A cozy corner with pillows and winter books

You don’t have to stop the fun—just sprinkle calm into the margins.

3. Choose Connection Over Perfection

The pressure to make everything magical can take away the magic.

Children remember:

Your smile
Your warmth
The way you held their hand during a song
The moment you knelt down to listen

They do not remember:

If every craft was “Pinterest perfect”
If the program had mistakes
If the cookies crumbled

This season, let go of perfection and hold onto presence.

4. Keep Expectations Simple

Little ones don’t need a long to-do list of activities.

They need simple joys, repeated often:

Jingle Bells with real bells
A Christmas sensory bin
One sweet craft
A picture book each morning
A walk to see lights
A kindness activity (making cards, saying thank you, helping a friend)

Choose what matters most, and release the rest.

5. Protect Your Own Calm

When adults feel rushed, overwhelmed, or exhausted, children feel it too.

Give yourself permission to:

Take five quiet minutes in the car before walking into school.
Say no to one extra activity.
Drink water.
Pray or breathe deeply between transitions.
Ask for help.
Laugh when things go sideways.

A calm grown-up creates a calm classroom.

And remember: You are doing sacred work.

You are shaping memories, planting peace, and giving little hearts a sense of wonder.

6. Build Moments of Meaning, Not Just Activity

The holiday season can be an opportunity to teach:

Gratitude
Generosity
Waiting
Joy
Kindness

These are the true gifts children carry into the new year.

Simple conversations work wonders:

“Who can we bless today?”

“How can we show kindness in our classroom?”

“What made your heart happy today?”

Small seeds grow into big character.

A Final Word of Peace for You

Dear educators, caregivers, and parents—

You do so much unseen work to make this season warm, joyful, and safe for children.

Let this Christmas be a reminder:

You do not need to create perfect moments.

Just create loving ones.

Breathe.

Slow down.

See the sparkle in the small things.

Let peace begin with you… and let it gently overflow into the hearts of your little ones.

Merry Christmas—from Mimi’s House to your home and classroom.

May your days be calm, bright, and filled with simple joy.

Perfectly Imperfect Holiday Decorating with Kids 🎄

December 6, 2024March 9, 2026Leave a comment

Perfectly Imperfect: Letting Kids Help with Holiday Decorating

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and creativity. Yet, for many parents and educators, it can also come with the pressure to create a picture-perfect environment. Here’s the good news: perfection isn’t what makes the holidays magical—participation is! Letting kids join in the decorating fun, no matter how “messy” it might get, helps them feel valued, builds important skills, and creates lasting memories.

Why Letting Kids Help Matters

When you allow children to take part in decorating, you’re doing more than giving them a task—you’re giving them an opportunity to learn and grow.

1. Encourages Creativity🖍️

Children see the world with fresh eyes, and their ideas often bring a sense of wonder and fun that adults might overlook. A tree covered in handmade ornaments or garland strung with wild abandon has more personality and heart than any store-bought display.

2. Builds Confidence and Independence

When kids are trusted to help with important tasks like decorating, it sends a powerful message: You are capable. Completing even small decorating jobs helps build their confidence and sense of independence.

3. Teaches Problem-Solving Skills

Deciding where to hang ornaments or how to decorate a gingerbread house involves decision-making and problem-solving. These are critical skills that children can develop through play and participation.

4. Strengthens Family Bonds

Holiday decorating isn’t just about the outcome—it’s about the process. Working together as a family or classroom creates shared memories and strengthens relationships. Kids will remember the laughs and teamwork far more than how perfect the decorations looked.

The Science Behind “Imperfect” Decorating

Child development experts emphasize that children thrive when they’re included in meaningful activities. Participation builds a sense of belonging and accomplishment, which supports emotional well-being.

In fact, studies show that shared activities like decorating or cooking together release oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” This makes everyone feel more connected, which is the true spirit of the holidays!

Practical Tips for Decorating with Kids

If the idea of letting kids help feels overwhelming, these tips can make the process more enjoyable:

1. Set Realistic Expectations: Embrace imperfection and focus on the experience rather than the outcome.

2. Provide Kid-Friendly Materials: Offer unbreakable ornaments, washable markers, or paper crafts that are easy for little hands to manage.

3. Give Choices: Let children decide where to place decorations or which colors to use.

4. Celebrate Their Work: Show genuine enthusiasm for their efforts, no matter how wacky or “off-theme” they might seem.

5. Make It Fun: Play holiday music, tell stories, or share snacks while you work together.

Letting Go of Perfect

Perfection is overrated—especially when it comes at the cost of shared joy. This holiday season, let your children’s creativity shine. Their crooked ornaments, glitter-covered crafts, and unique ideas will create a home or classroom filled with love, laughter, and holiday spirit.

Remember, the best decorations aren’t flawless—they’re the ones made with tiny hands and big hearts.

Happy decorating!

Mimi’s House

Holiday Art Projects for Preschoolers

November 29, 2016November 29, 2016Leave a comment

Christmas time is filed with excitement and wonderment. Young children love to create and explore all of the senses during the holidays. Children love cooking and creating during the holidays. Involve your children in as much of the planning and preparations as possible. This helps to foster a sense of ownership in the festivities and builds independence and pride within your child. I have posted some of my favourite Christmas crafts that I have done in my classrooms and at home with my children. It just takes some time and a few simple supplies to complete these holiday art projects. May you enjoy the holidays and always keep the wonder and magic of Christmas alive in your hearts!