5: Prepping Your Kids for the Christmas Extravaganza


 


Prepping Your Kids for the Christmas Extravaganza

Hey dads, let’s chat about how to make Christmas Day as smooth and magical as possible for your kiddos.

Here’s the thing—Christmas is huge for kids. Think about it: they only get 17 of these magical days before they’re grown-ups. That’s wild, right? Naturally, they’re psyched to see what’s under the tree from you, Grandma, Auntie, and Santa. But let’s face it, not every gift is a showstopper. When they tear into a box and find Auntie’s favorite sticky-bottom socks, it might be a little... meh.

That’s where we step in. We teach our kids to be grateful, and Christmas morning is a great time to remind them. A simple, “Hey, remember—every gift you get today was picked out just for you. Let’s make sure we say thank you and be happy with what we receive,” can go a long way. This little pep talk might save the day from any gift-related grumbles. Nobody likes seeing their gift get a thumbs-down, especially family.

Now, about the day itself—kids thrive when they know what to expect. Some kids already know the drill: when to open presents, whose house they’re visiting, what’s for dinner. Others might not, and if your kid isn’t the “go with the flow” type, that can make things stressful. So, clue them in. Lay out the plan: “We’re opening gifts at home, then heading to Grandma’s for lunch and hanging out with cousins.” Knowing the schedule helps them feel like they’re part of the action, not just being shuffled around.

Here's a few other tips that might help the day go its best:

Snack and Hydrate

With all the excitement, kids can forget to eat or drink, and trust me—hungry, dehydrated kids are no fun. Have some easy snacks and water on hand to keep them fueled. A festive “Christmas snack plate” with fun treats might even add to the holiday magic.

Set Screen Time Expectations

If tech gifts like tablets or video games are on the list, set expectations early. Something like, “You can play your new game for an hour, and then we’re heading to Grandma’s.” This keeps things balanced and avoids any last-minute meltdowns over screen time.

Prepare for Downtime

The highs of Christmas morning can make the rest of the day feel a little low. Plan something relaxing or fun for later—a holiday movie, a family walk, or quiet time with a new book or toy. It keeps the magic going without the rush.

At the end of the day, Christmas is about making memories—not just for your kids, but for you, too. A little prep goes a long way in keeping the magic alive for everyone.

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