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Less Holiday Stress for Children
Christmas is a wonderful time for children, but it can also be a busy and stressful season for families. With visitors arriving, meals to prepare, and excited children looking for something to do, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the activity.
But Christmas doesn't have to be filled with stress. In this positive thought, Byron Pulsifer shares simple ways to keep children entertained while creating happy holiday memories. Along with his suggestions, you'll find an encouraging Christmas poem that reminds us that the greatest gift we can give children is our time, attention, and love.
Updated October 20, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Less Holiday Stress for Children
By Byron Pulsifer, © 2007
Great. Don't you just love Christmas time with all the hectic little chores and children underfoot? Stress?
Holiday Stress
Who's got stress when the relatives seize your home, the bathroom never seems to be free when you need to use it, and you can't find your dishes anymore after a helpful relative has put them away?
And, how about your children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and neighbours' kids who happen to visit?
If you can't visit that secluded, warm water island, what can you do to relieve the stress sometimes associated with one of the most hectic times of the year?
Tips for Reducing Stress for Children
Well, I'm not going to tell you what options there are for all your adult visitors, just a few tips for reducing stressful times for children.
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Enjoy an afternoon movie.
Take the children to an afternoon matinee where they can enjoy the fun and excitement of chewing gum, drinking pop, and eating all that buttery popcorn. And, while they're enthralled in the movie, you can catch forty winks.
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Spend time outdoors.
Venture out in the local park for a nice brisk walk, or a snowball fight (assuming you have snow, of course). You can walk until they drop, and who knows, you might just find yourself invigorated to launch into that supper preparation when you get home.
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Build something together.
Get out your old box of Lego you've been stashing away just for this occasion. There's nothing better than sitting for hours cross-legged on the floor and building that dream castle you've always wanted to design.
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Tell a Christmas story.
Tell a story. You must have a story that you can embellish for the next few hours. Keep talking till they all fall asleep, then you can sneak out to the kitchen for a nice, hot cup of tea.
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Bring out an old favourite toy.
Remember that train set, the one in the far corner of the basement that everyone refuses to use. Well, here's the time to revive the vitality of that smell of electric motors as its wheels scratch along those rusted tracks. If you use it long enough, the tracks may start to develop a nice sheen.
Sure, you can do some of those things mentioned, but, in reality children really need some fun tasks, games, or projects that can not only entertain them, but, more importantly, help them develop memories of a great Christmas.
Children are a major fun part of Christmas, and when they're grown and gone, it never is the same.
Fond Memories
Fond memories of Christmases past are a beautiful gift you can leave with your children or grandchildren. With everyone seemingly living in a fast-paced environment today, Christmas may be one of the only times when you can give a gift that only you can give, the gift of priceless memories of fun, camaraderie, hugs, laughter, and love.
Holiday de-stressing is all about enjoying the time now for it never can be relived.
A Christmas Poem About Making Memories
Long after the decorations are packed away and the Christmas gifts are forgotten, children will remember the happy moments they shared with family. This poem by Catherine Pulsifer reminds us to slow down, enjoy the laughter, and treasure the time we have together.
Christmas Memories That Last
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
The house is busy, the children play,
So many things to do today.
But Christmas joy is not in the rush,
It's in the laughter, the loving touch.
Build a snowman, tell a tale,
Watch the snowflakes drift and sail.
Play a game, share a smile,
Forget your worries for a little while.
The years will pass, the children grow,
And off into the world they'll go.
But memories of the love you share,
Will stay with them no matter where.
So slow your pace this Christmas Day,
Make time for laughter, love, and play.
For the greatest gift that you can give,
Is happy memories that always live.
Key Reflections on Holiday Stress and Children
- Children remember the time we share. Christmas memories are often made through simple activities and moments spent together. Our attention and love can mean more than expensive gifts.
- Simple activities can reduce holiday stress. Playing games, going for walks, or telling stories gives children something enjoyable to do. These activities also give families a chance to relax and connect.
- Christmas doesn't have to be perfect. A busy home, unexpected visitors, and excited children are all part of the season. Learning to enjoy these moments can help us feel less overwhelmed.
- Family traditions create lasting memories. The little things we do together often become the traditions children remember as they grow older. What seems ordinary today may become a treasured memory tomorrow.
- Enjoy the moments while they last. Children grow up faster than we realize, and Christmas celebrations change over time. Taking time to enjoy their laughter and excitement is a gift to ourselves as well as to them.
Popular Pages
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Conclusion
Christmas can be a busy time, especially when children are excited, visitors are arriving, and there seems to be more to do than there are hours in the day. But as Byron Pulsifer reminds us, some of the best ways to reduce holiday stress are also the simplest.
A walk in the snow, a favourite game, a Christmas story, or a few hours spent playing together can bring happiness to children while creating memories they will carry into adulthood. These are the moments that make Christmas truly special.
So this Christmas, don't let the preparations and responsibilities take away the joy of being together. Slow down, share a laugh, give an extra hug, and enjoy the excitement of the children around you. The years will pass, but the love and memories you create today can last a lifetime.
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