Introduction: December Is a Beautiful—and Overwhelming—Month
The holiday season brings joy, excitement, family traditions, and special memories. But it also creates stress, exhaustion, overstimulation, and disrupted routines. Children thrive on predictability, and December offers very little of it.
As an educational therapist, I see many children struggle during the holidays—not because they lack skills or maturity, but because the holiday season challenges every part of their executive function system.
The good news? You can create simple, flexible family routines that dramatically reduce stress and help kids stay regulated throughout December.
This blog outlines practical holiday-friendly routines that support EF and preserve family connection.
1. Why Holiday Routines Matter
Even though December is packed with events, you can still create structure.
In fact, during busy months, kids need routine more than usual.
Strong routines:
- support regulation
- reduce conflict
- improve behavior
- help children adapt to change
- protect energy and attention
- lower anxiety
When children know what to expect, everything feels easier.
2. The Three Anchor Routines Every Family Should Keep in December
A. Morning Routine: Start Regulated, Not Rushed
Mornings often make or break a child’s entire day.
Tools that help:
- visual checklist
- minimal steps
- no new tasks added
- extra 5–10 minutes of buffer time
- quiet music rather than screens
December mornings should be gentler, slower, and more predictable.
B. After-School Routine: Decompress First
Kids come home exhausted from sensory + social overload.
Replace “go do your homework” with a decompression flow:
- snack + hydration
- quiet time or movement break
- short connection moment with a parent
- THEN homework (with support)
Children regulate through rhythm.
After-school decompression is non-negotiable.
C. Bedtime Routine: Protect It Fiercely
Sleep is the most powerful EF support.
Even with holiday events:
- keep bedtime as consistent as possible
- maintain the same sequence (bath → pajamas → story → sleep)
- reduce screens 1 hour before bed
- dim lights early
Tired kids = dysregulated kids.
Rested kids = resilient kids.
3. Simple Holiday Routines That Reduce Stress
A. Create a Weekly Family Preview
Sunday night:
- review the week’s events
- identify late nights
- discuss after-school activities
- identify homework-heavy days
- choose when to rest
This reduces surprise transitions.
The brain can handle busy schedules if it can preview them.
B. Use a December Visual Calendar
For younger kids:
- picture icons for events
- color-coded days
- countdown markers
For teens:
- Google Calendar sync
- notifications
- assignment reminders
Visual calendars:
- reduce anxiety
- build flexibility
- support working memory
C. Limit Sensory Overload Strategically
Not every event is necessary.
Choose events that fit your child’s:
- stamina
- sensory needs
- age
- emotional capacity
It is okay to leave early.
It is okay to say no.
D. Schedule Daily “Quiet Moments”
Even 10 minutes can regulate the entire day.
Ideas:
- reading time
- snuggle time
- dim lights
- drawing
- quiet play
- listening to soft music
Think of these as EF “charging stations.”
E. Maintain Eating Routines as Much as Possible
Holiday treats are fun—AND unpredictable blood sugar worsens behavior.
Keep:
- regular meal times
- protein-rich snacks
- hydration routines
Balanced bodies produce balanced behavior.
4. Support for Transitions During the Holiday Season
Transitions become harder in December because the brain switches settings constantly.
A. Use Time-Based Warnings
- “In 10 minutes we leave for the party.”
- “Two more episodes, then bedtime.”
Previewing decreases resistance.
B. Make Expectations Clear and Concrete
Before entering a busy place, tell your child:
- how long you’ll stay
- what they’ll do
- what behavior is expected
- what tools they can use (fidget, headphones)
Kids succeed when instructions are visual and specific.
C. Give Predictable “First–Then” Routines
- “First dinner, then dessert.”
- “First photos, then play.”
Consistency reduces conflict.
5. Protect Your Child’s Regulation When Traveling
Travel is exciting—and dysregulating.
Tips:
- pack comfort items
- bring snacks
- schedule movement breaks
- preview the trip
- maintain bedtime rituals
A familiar routine in an unfamiliar place = instant emotional grounding.
6. Support for Neurodivergent Learners in December
Children with ADHD, autism, gifted/2e profiles, anxiety, or sensory needs feel December intensely.
Try:
- noise-canceling headphones
- weighted blankets
- decompression time after events
- body doubling during homework
- predictable visual schedules
- limiting multi-stop errands
A supported nervous system behaves better.
7. The “Holiday Minimums” Rule
Instead of striving for perfect routines, identify your 3 non-negotiables—the things that keep your family functioning.
Examples:
- bedtime rhythm
- daily decompression
- predictable previewing
Everything else becomes flexible.
This protects children and adults from burnout.
8. End-of-Year Reflection Rituals That Build EF Skills
December is a great time to strengthen:
- metacognition
- emotional awareness
- self-evaluation
- positive self-talk
Try questions like:
- “What are you proud of this year?”
- “What felt hard but you handled it?”
- “What do you want to get better at?”
- “What made you feel happy?”
Reflection helps kids build internal motivation and resilience.
Conclusion: A Calmer December Is Possible With the Right Routines
The holiday season will always be busy—but it doesn’t have to be dysregulating.
With predictable anchors, sensory support, gentle transitions, and intentional rest, families can help children feel steadier, calmer, and more connected during the most hectic month of the year.
December doesn’t require perfection.
It requires purposeful simplicity.
