It’s six days until Christmas—eek!

If you’re anything like me, you’re trying to pack a year’s worth of magical memories into the next week. And let’s be real—there’s a lot riding on that magic.

But then, Christmas morning comes, and reality hits:

“I didn’t get the art set I wanted! That’s what I wanted the most! I hate Christmas!”

Cue the tears—yours or theirs (or both).

The truth is, kids don’t transform into little angels just because it’s the holiday season. They feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and disappointed, just like adults do. But unlike adults, they don’t yet have the tools to handle those feelings on their own.

So, how do we help our kids—and ourselves—navigate the holidays without the meltdowns and guilt? Here are a few strategies to create a joyful season that’s meaningful and manageable.

1. Manage Expectations (Yours and Theirs)

We moms have a tendency to measure our worth by how magical we can make the holidays. But here’s the truth: perfection is overrated, and kids don’t need it.

For the Kids:

Be upfront about what they can expect this year. Will there be fewer presents under the tree? A different celebration schedule? Let them know ahead of time.

Tip: Ask them to prioritize their wish lists. Knowing their top 1-2 “must-haves” helps avoid disappointment and makes them feel involved in the process.

For You:

Let go of the pressure to do everything. Kids won’t remember whether the cookies were from scratch or store-bought; they’ll remember the time you spent together.

2. Stick to a (Flexible) Plan

The holidays are full of surprises—last-minute visitors, packed schedules, and later bedtimes. While some spontaneity is fun, too much chaos can lead to overwhelm for both you and your kids.

Create a visual calendar: Let your kids see what’s coming—whether it’s family movie night or Aunt Susan’s visit. Seeing open spaces for downtime can be just as reassuring as knowing what’s planned.

Set limits: If you know certain activities (like back-to-back parties) are too much for your child, say no. A calm, happy kid is better than a frazzled one trying to power through.

3. Involve Your Kids in Holiday Decisions

Ask your kids what feels most special to them about the holidays. You might be surprised by their answers. Do they love decorating cookies but don’t care about elaborate gingerbread houses? Skip the latter. Do they light up at the thought of a holiday movie marathon? Pop some popcorn and ditch the Pinterest-perfect crafts. When kids feel heard, they’re less likely to be disappointed by what doesn’t happen.

4. Address Emotions Head-On

Kids can feel so many emotions during the holidays—excitement, frustration, overstimulation, disappointment—and they’re not always sure how to handle them.

Have an Honest Conversation:

If you know your child struggles with holiday letdowns, talk about it in advance. Example: “Sometimes, it seems like you feel disappointed on Christmas morning. What could we do together to make the day feel special for you, no matter what’s under the tree?”

Model Emotional Resilience:

When things go sideways (and they will), show your kids how to handle disappointment. It’s okay to say, “I’m feeling a little stressed because things didn’t go as planned, but I’m going to take a deep breath and enjoy what we can do.”

5. Practice Radical Acceptance

No matter how much planning you do, not every moment will be picture-perfect—and that’s okay. Some parts of the season will be magical, and others might feel downright hard.

For You:

Give yourself grace. It’s okay if the house isn’t spotless, the presents aren’t wrapped like a magazine cover, or the kids don’t love every second of the day. What matters most is the love and effort you’re putting into your family.

For Them:

Teach your kids that it’s normal to feel disappointed or overwhelmed sometimes. Then, help them move forward. Example: “I know you’re upset you didn’t get the art set. That makes sense—it’s hard when we don’t get what we hope for. But let’s think about some of the other fun things we can do today.”

The True Magic of the Holidays

At the end of the day, it’s not the gifts, the glitter, or the perfectly curated traditions that make the season special. It’s the connection, the laughter, and the love that you build with your family. So, grab a cup of coffee (or wine), give yourself permission to skip a few “to-dos,” and focus on what matters most. The magic? It’s already there—you just have to notice it.