Five Practical Ways to Maintain a Sense of Routine During the Holidays

The holiday season brings a wonderful mix of celebrations, travel, late nights, and special gatherings. These experiences are meaningful opportunities for children to engage with family, friends, and new experiences. At the same time, they can be stressors for young children, who thrive on predictable routines. Our goal is not to avoid these experiences. In fact, we encourage them. The key is to find ways to maintain a sense of routine and consistency so children feel supported while still enjoying the richness and excitement of the season.

How to maintain a sense of routine during the holidays:

1. Balance Excitement with Downtime 

Even amidst celebrations, incorporate quiet moments for reading, drawing, or imaginative play, giving children time to process experiences.

2. Sleep and Rest

Try to keep bedtime and wake-up times close to your child’s usual schedule. Short naps or quiet rest periods during busy days can help children recharge.

3. Meals and Snacks

Aim for familiar mealtimes and balanced nutrition, even when menus or locations change, to support energy and focus.

4. Attendance

Regular school attendance, even during short weeks, helps children stay connected to routines and reduces stress when returning from holiday events.

5. Transitions

Prepare children for travel or visits with simple reminders and familiar items from home to make transitions smoother.

This content was originally shared in a letter to the Bennett Day community from Molly Simmons, our Director of Early Childhood.