Ready for the Christmas Family Time

Maintaining a consistent routine during the Christmas break is a common challenge for families, especially after the structured environment of a high-quality center like World Tower Child Care.

Drawing from the principles of early childhood education (EYLF) and the family-focused approach practiced at World Tower, here is a blog-style guide on how to keep your child’s routine steady during the festive season.

Keeping the Rhythm: Maintaining Routines Over the Christmas Break

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with family gatherings, late-night lights, and exciting events. However, for young children, this sudden change in pace can feel overwhelming. At World Tower Child Care, we see daily how much children thrive on predictability—it gives them a sense of safety and the confidence to explore.

To help your little ones (and your sanity!) through the break, here are our top tips for keeping the routine alive while still enjoying the Christmas magic.

1. Anchor Your Days with the “Big Three”

You don't need to schedule every minute of the holidays, but keeping three "anchor points" consistent will help your child feel grounded:

• Sleep: Try to keep wake-up and bedtimes within 30–60 minutes of their usual childcare schedule. A well-rested child is much better at navigating the excitement of a family party.

• Meals: Stick to regular mealtimes. Even if the menu changes to include festive treats, having breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the usual times provides a familiar rhythm.

• Wind-down: Maintain your usual evening ritual—whether it’s a bath, a specific story, or a song—to signal that the day is coming to an end.

2. The Power of Visual Cues

In our classrooms, we often use visual schedules. You can do the same at home! Use a simple calendar or a drawing of the day’s plan. If you are visiting relatives or going to a Christmas market, show your child a photo of the place or the people you will see. Knowing what comes next reduces "holiday anxiety."

3. Balance "High Energy" with "Quiet Time"

Christmas can be a sensory overload of bright lights, loud music, and new faces. For every high-energy event (like a Santa visit or a big lunch), schedule a period of "down-time." This could be quiet reading, playing with playdough, or a nap. This helps children self-regulate and prevents the dreaded holiday meltdown.

4. Maintain Healthy Habits Amidst the Treats

It’s natural to enjoy more treats during December. However, a sudden spike in sugar can lead to energy crashes and irritability.

• Tip: Serve a "regular" nutritious lunch before heading to a party where there might be lots of sweets.

• Stay Hydrated: Especially in the Australian summer heat, ensure your child is drinking plenty of water during their outdoor holiday play.

5. Involve Them in the "New" Routines

If your routine has to change (e.g., traveling to see family), involve your child in the process. Let them help pack their bag or choose which book to bring for the car ride. Giving them a sense of agency helps them feel more in control of the changes happening around them.

6. Preparation for the Return

As the break comes to an end, start shifting your schedule back to "Childcare Time" a few days early. This makes the transition back to World Tower smooth and stress-free for both you and your child.

From all of us at World Tower Child Care, we wish our families a safe, joyful, and restful holiday season. We look forward to seeing all those smiling faces back in the New Year!