Winter Break Survival Guide: Routines, Activities, and Calm Parenting

Winter Break Survival Guide: Routines, Activities, and Calm Parenting

By Stephanie Greco, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Founder of Stepping Stones Behavior Solutions and Stepping Stones for Successful Parenting

Introduction

Ah, winter break—a magical time of glittering lights, hot cocoa, and ... utter chaos. Let's face it, while this season offers endless opportunities to make memories with your kids, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Disrupted routines, boundless energy, and the infamous cabin fever can make even the most patient parent long for January.

But here's the good news: a little preparation, a splash of structure, and a generous dose of self-care can transform the holidays from "survival mode" to "thriving mode." Together, we can create a winter break filled with connection, fun, and just enough calm to keep everyone sane.

Maintaining Routines During Winter Break

Why Routines Matter

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, both at home and in the classroom, it’s that kids thrive on predictability. Routines aren’t just about keeping the peace; they provide children with a sense of security, especially during unpredictable times like the holidays. Think of routines as the recipe for your favorite holiday dish— follow the steps, and you'll avoid a kitchen (or emotional) disaster.

Research shows that structured days improve behavior and emotional regulation, and I can speak from experience—when I put a little thought into planning our mornings, it was like adding a sprinkle of fairy dust of peace to the chaos. Instead of struggling through a battle of wills over breakfast, we found ourselves enjoying pancake art competitions (and a fair share of laughter).

So, how do we maintain this balance while keeping the holiday cheer alive? Let’s talk about adjusting your routines to fit the winter break vibe, keeping everything smooth and manageable.

Adapting School-Year Routines for Winter Break

Winter break doesn’t mean tossing routines out the window; it’s about tweaking them to fit the season’s fun, yet often hectic, nature. Here’s how you can keep your kids feeling secure and your home feeling somewhat organized during the break.

• Wake-Up and Bedtime Schedules: Keeping wake-up and bedtime consistent is key, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little wiggle room! Extend bedtime by 30 minutes for a special holiday movie night or a cozy pajama story marathon, but don’t let your kids turn into little night owls who stay up until the wee hours. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when school resumes.
• Preparing for Jet Lag and Time Zone Changes: If you’re traveling to a different time zone over the holidays, try adjusting your child’s bedtime in small increments—about 15 minutes earlier or later each night. This gradual change helps ease the transition and smooths out any disruptions in sleep patterns. If you're traveling across multiple time zones, consider starting this adjustment a few days before departure. It’s all about making the shift less stressful for everyone.

Meal Routines and Anchor Points

Keeping mealtimes consistent can act as an anchor, providing a sense of structure throughout the day. But let’s add a little flair to make mealtimes fun and memorable.

• Stick to Regular Mealtimes, with a Twist: Keeping meals at regular times helps to maintain stability. But, instead of the usual breakfast routine, why not try a “Winter Wonderland Breakfast" by creating frosty fun with powdered sugar “snow” on pancakes, snowflake cookie-cutter toast, and blueberry “snowball” smoothies? Or how about an “Elf Lunchbox” with elf-sized sandwiches cut into stars or mittens, served tiny carrots, grapes, and cheese bites, and a mini treat, like a small cookie or candy cane to bring a change of pace and make things feel festive?

• Snack Times Are Non-Negotiable: We all know that kids (and grown-ups!) need regular snacks to keep their energy up. Create a small ritual with fun and festive snacks—think snowman-shaped crackers, reindeer celery sticks, or banana-strawberry “candy canes.” If they say they’re not hungry, a little creativity in presentation will likely win them over. Don’t skip this—sugar crashes and hunger-induced meltdowns are no one’s idea of fun!

Screentime Rules

Yes, winter break is the perfect time to indulge in some extra screen time, but let's keep it balanced. Use your school-week screentime rules as a base and consider adding a bit of leeway as a reward system. After all, kids love the idea of earning rewards!

• Make Screentime a Positive Reward: You can set up a fun “movie matinee” or “holiday cartoon special” system. Frame it as something they “earn” rather than something they’re entitled to. Have a chat with your kids about what behaviors you'd like to see in order to unlock their rewards—like sharing, cleaning up after themselves, and helping around the house. A little visual reminder of your expectations—like a chart or a ticket system—will make things crystal clear.

Flexible Yet Structured Approach

The holiday magic is in the little surprises—so let’s leave room for spontaneous fun while maintaining a bit of structure. One of my favorite tools is a visual schedule. For younger children, picture schedules work wonders, while older kids can enjoy a more grown-up checklist with fun icons. The idea is to balance the predictability of routines with just enough flexibility to keep things interesting.

Here’s a sample schedule to spark some inspiration:

• 8:00 AM: Wake up
• 8:30 AM: Breakfast (maybe a “DYI waffle bar”!)
• 9:00 AM: “Santa’s Story Writing Workshop” (for toddlers, they can draw pictures or tell stories with picture prompts)
• 10:00 AM: Holiday Family Game (holiday bingo, charades, candy cane scavenger hunt)
• 10:30 AM: Snack and free play
• 12:00 PM: Snowman Building and Sledding (or indoor “snowball” fight and Brain Breaks on YouTube)
• 1:30 PM: Holiday Snacks (like hot cocoa or cider with “Santa’s Snack Board”)
• 2:00 PM: Quiet time (a.k.a. parental sanity hour—take it and use it wisely)
• 3:00 PM: Holiday Artist Corner (allow kids to do crafts, color holiday-themed sheets, or make homemade holiday cards for family and friends)

Engaging Downtime Activities

The Importance of Active Engagement

When kids are engaged, everyone benefits. If you’re looking for ways to keep the "I’m bored!" complaints at bay and avoid the tug-of-war that comes with screen time, it’s time to get creative. Screen-free activities not only reduce reliance on electronics but also spark kids' creativity and help them hone their focus. You know how a rainy afternoon can sometimes feel like the end of the world? Well, one year, we turned it into a winter wonderland of snowflake-making madness. We challenged each other to create the biggest, most intricate snowflakes, and the result was 37 unique designs displayed proudly on our fridge. Another year, we built forts out of old boxes, transforming our living room into a fortress, and had an indoor snowball fight using balled-up socks. Trust me, those socks were more fun than any plush snowball. Plus, we kept the fort up for weeks—it became a playtime headquarters!

And here’s the thing: you don’t need to be the next Pinterest sensation to pull off these activities. In fact, the simpler, the better. The joy for your kids is not in how perfect the activity looks but in how much fun they have. Here are some ways to get them active and entertained.

Ideas for Indoor and Outdoor Activities

Here’s a mix of indoor and outdoor ideas to keep things fresh:

Indoor Fun:

• DIY Crafts and Holiday Baking: You don’t need a big kitchen setup or fancy tools for holiday crafts. Make snowflakes from paper or get out the glue and glitter and create a holiday-themed masterpiece. If you’re in the mood for baking, why not let the kids help? Bake cookies and let them get creative with decorating.
• Puzzles and Family Game Nights: Pull out that holiday-themed puzzle or a few board games. Classic games like charades or “Pin the Nose on the Snowman” are always a hit with little ones.
• Candy Cane Hunt: Hide candy canes around the house and have the kids search for them. They love the thrill of finding something sweet!
• Dance Party and Brain Breaks: If the kids are getting the wiggles, start a holiday dance party or use YouTube for kids’ yoga and Brain Breaks to get their energy out.
• Holiday "Name That Tune" or Charades: Test everyone’s memory by playing a game of holiday music guessing or act out scenes from popular holiday movies in a round of charades.

Outdoor Adventures:

• Nature Scavenger Hunts: If it’s chilly but not too cold, bundle up and head outside. Create a list of things for them to find—like a red leaf, a snowman-shaped rock, or a pinecone.
• Build a Snowman: If you live where there’s snow, get out there and build a snowman together. If it’s not snowing, try painting snow or making fake snow with cornstarch and shaving cream for some fun sensory play.
• Frozen Bubbles and Sledding: If you’re lucky enough to have snow, make the most of it with sledding. Or, on a slightly warmer day, create frozen bubbles by blowing bubbles in the cold air and watching them freeze mid-flight!
• Pinecone Bird Feeders and Nature Art: Collect pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed to make simple bird feeders. Another creative option is making nature art, where kids use collected sticks, leaves, and pinecones to create their own masterpieces.

Encouraging Independent Play

Sometimes, as much as you want to be involved in every moment, you need a break. And guess what? It’s okay to let your kids entertain themselves—especially when they have fun, independent play stations to spark their creativity.

Ideas for Toddlers

• Holiday Busy Boxes: Fill small containers with festive items like jingle bells, felt ornaments, and soft snowflakes. Add Velcro pieces for decorating and rotate the items to keep it fresh.
• Winter Sensory Play: Create sensory bins filled with cotton balls, kinetic sand, or fake snow (baking soda + conditioner). Hide small holiday-themed trinkets for a “snowy” treasure hunt.
• Pretend Play Stations: Set up themed corners like:

• “Santa’s Workshop”: Toy tools, wrapping paper scraps, and ribbons.
• “Holiday Bakery”: Playdough, toy cookie cutters, and small trays for pretend baking.

• Winter Art Fun: Let toddlers use washable markers, crayons, or paint to create snowmen, reindeer, or snowy scenes. Dip cookie cutters into paint to stamp creative snowflakes.
• Building Blocks or Playdough Play: Encourage toddlers to create a “winter wonderland” using Duplo blocks, glittery playdough, and mini snowman or animal figurines for added fun.

Ideas for School-Aged Children

• Winter STEM Challenges:
• Build marshmallow-and-toothpick snowflakes.
• Design and test a sled that can slide down a homemade ramp.
• Construct a snow fort using cardboard boxes, paper, or craft materials.
• Creative Writing Corner: Set up a cozy space for holiday journaling or storytelling. Use prompts like:
• “Write a letter to Santa.”
• “Describe your perfect snow day.”
• “Create a story about a magical winter adventure.”
• Cozy Reading Nook: Create a reading haven with soft blankets, twinkling lights, and holiday-themed books.
• Winter Art Projects:
• Decorate homemade holiday cards with glitter, stickers, and sequins.
• Craft snow globes using jars, water, and glitter.
• Build gingerbread houses or winter scenes using simple craft supplies.
• Winter Gardening: Provide small pots, soil, and seeds to start an indoor herb garden. Let them decorate the pots and give them as holiday gifts.

Ideas for Mixed Ages

• DIY Kits for the Holidays: Offer materials for age-friendly projects like:
• Homemade ornaments (clay, beads, or paper).
• Fake snow experiments (baking soda and conditioner).
• Simple science experiments like “melting ice” challenges with salt.
• Music and Movement: Set up a holiday-themed mini concert with jingle bells, tambourines, and ribbons. Let kids perform songs or dances to bring the festive spirit to life.
• Winter Building Fun: Provide blocks, playdough, foam snowflakes, or craft supplies for collaborative winter-themed creations like snow forts, trees, or “ice castles.”
• Holiday Art & Craft Stations: Combine activities for all ages:
• Stamp snowflakes with cookie cutters and paint.
• Create family decorations like garlands or painted gift tags.
• Make paper snowflakes and hang them for a “snowy” indoor scene.
• Indoor Gardening or Gifting Project: Set up pots and herbs for a mini winter garden. Kids can decorate pots, plant seeds, and give them as thoughtful homemade gifts.

By offering a mix of independent and interactive activities—along with the perfect amount of structure and flexibility—you’re helping your kids grow their creativity, problem-solving, and focus. Plus, you get a chance to breathe, enjoy your coffee (while it’s still hot), and keep your winter break merry and bright!

Managing Behaviors and Emotional Regulation

Understanding Common Behavior Challenges Let's face it—changes in routine, especially during the holiday season, can trigger some big emotions in our kids (and us too). It's not uncommon for tantrums, defiance, or sibling conflicts to emerge. As a behavior analyst, I often encourage parents to perform a "HALT" check-in when problematic behaviors occur: Is your child Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? Addressing these basic needs is one of the most effective ways to prevent or reduce meltdowns.

Evidence-Based Strategies

• Positive Reinforcement: This is a simple but powerful technique. Rewarding desired behaviors with praise, tokens, or privileges helps children learn what is expected of them. For example, I used a "Holiday Kindness Chart" with my kids—every star they earned brought us closer to a family reward, like a movie night. Remember, rewards need to be contingent on the behavior. Reinforcing expected behaviors encourages kids to repeat them in the future. Be specific and clear about what behavior you are reinforcing, such as, “I love how you helped clean up without being asked!”

• When-Then Technique: This approach involves setting clear expectations and letting your child know what will happen once they complete a task. For instance, "When you clean up your toys, then we can bake cookies." This technique removes ambiguity, decreases arguments, and helps children understand that tasks are followed by enjoyable activities. It's a quick and effective way to guide your child through tasks, making their behavior more manageable.

Promoting Emotional Regulation

It's important to give kids the tools they need to handle overwhelming emotions. Consider using the following strategies:

• Emotion Charts: Printable charts with different emotions can help children identify how they’re feeling. This visual aid gives them a way to communicate when they’re struggling with their emotions.
• Breathing Exercises: Teach your child how to take deep breaths to calm down. You could also use apps or videos that guide children through breathing exercises. For example, you might say, “Let’s take three deep breaths together to calm down.”
• Calm-Down Box: Create a calming space with sensory toys, squishy items, calming scents, and soft textures like stuffed animals or a fuzzy blanket. Encourage your child to visit this box when they’re feeling overwhelmed or upset.
• Model Calm Responses: Kids learn a lot by watching adults. When you feel frustration building up, say something like, “I’m going to take three deep breaths to feel better.” Over time, they’ll learn to mimic these responses.

Sibling Squabbles

Sibling drama is a classic, especially during school breaks. To keep the peace, try these strategies:

• Set Clear Rules: Create a visual set of family rules and review them during a family meeting. This way, everyone knows the expectations. You can use pictures or drawings to represent the rules to help younger children understand.
• Problem-Solving: When conflicts arise, mediate the situation by asking open-ended questions like, “What would be a fair way to solve this problem?” This encourages children to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. Offer win-win options like, “Do you want to take turns with the toy using the timer, or would you like to take a break and do something else for a bit?”
• Peaceful Zones: Create a designated area where kids can retreat when emotions are running high. This isn't a "time-out" space, but rather a place where kids can self-regulate and return to play when ready. Here are some ideas:
• Calm Down Corner: A cozy space with pillows, soft lighting, and sensory toys where children can go to calm down.
• Peaceful Pause Spot: A quiet, peaceful area where children can take a moment to reset.
• Reset Zone: A neutral space that encourages kids to pause and breathe before rejoining the group.
• Serenity Station: A space with calming activities like fidget toys, coloring supplies, or a soft blanket.
• Mindful Moment Spot: A corner for mindfulness activities, such as breathing exercises or listening to soothing music.
• Reflection Zone: A space with prompts like “How do I feel?” or “What can I do next time to stay calm?”

These names make the space feel like a positive retreat, not a punishment. They also help children learn to self-regulate their emotions by providing a calming environment for reflection.

By implementing these strategies, you can not only reduce disruptive behaviors but also teach your children valuable emotional regulation skills. The key is consistency, patience, and creating a positive environment where your child can feel safe and supported as they navigate their big feelings.

When You Feel Overwhelmed

We’ve all been there—the noise, demands, and constant chaos can feel like too much to handle. It’s okay to step away when you need to. Don’t hesitate to tag-team with a co-parent, partner, family member, or friend to give yourself a moment to breathe. And remember to celebrate even the smallest wins—like making it through dinner without a meltdown. Progress is progress, no matter how small it seems.

Also, keep in mind that our children are always watching and learning from us. When you model healthy coping strategies and emotional regulation, they’ll learn to do the same. Be kind to yourself and show them how to handle life's challenges with resilience.

Prioritizing Parental Self-Care

Why Self-Care is Crucial

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. When you prioritize your own well-being, you’re better equipped to handle everything that comes with the winter break. Having the kids home is a blessing, but it’s also exhausting. Between meal prep, refereeing squabbles, keeping them entertained, and trying to maintain your usual daily routine, it can feel like you're juggling multiple jobs. That’s why it’s crucial to carve out time to nurture your own needs. Remember, you can’t give your best when you’re running on empty.

Simple Practices During the Break

Start each day with a moment just for you. Whether it’s taking a few deep breaths or enjoying your favorite morning beverage, setting a calm tone can make a big difference. I personally swear by my morning gratitude exercise—it helps me focus on the positive, no matter how chaotic the day ahead may seem. I’ll say three things I’m grateful for, like a quiet moment with my coffee, the excitement of the holiday crafts ahead, or a cozy movie marathon (because let’s be honest, Frosty the Snowman and Home Alone never get old).

Later, find little pockets of time to recharge while the kids are engaged in quiet activities. Use this time to sit and relax, scroll through social media, read, or catch up on a favorite show. We all need moments to decompress, and doing so helps regulate our own emotions. When we’re stressed, our kids can feel that energy too, often amplifying the tension. To set everyone up for success, it’s important to tend to your emotional health, too.

Seeking Support and Setting Boundaries

• Shared Responsibilities: Having the kids home during the break can be overwhelming, especially if you’re carrying more of the parenting load. Open communication with your partner or other family members is key. Consider organizing "Family Task Swaps" to help lighten the load. Identify tasks like grocery shopping, cooking dinner, or assisting with bedtime routines that you may need extra help with. By clearly establishing responsibilities ahead of time, you can avoid feelings of resentment or burnout, while keeping the family harmony intact.
• Boundaries with Family: Don’t be afraid to communicate the importance of keeping a routine for your kids’ success. It's perfectly okay to decline family gatherings or activities if you sense they’ll be too overwhelming for your children. You know your child’s needs best—naptimes and bedtimes are essential for keeping them regulated, and they shouldn’t be sacrificed for a holiday event. Let family members know in advance that these routines are non-negotiable and suggest alternative plans if necessary. Setting these boundaries isn’t about being rigid; it’s about ensuring your child has a positive experience. After all, would you rather they leave grandma’s house with fond memories, or feeling exhausted and overwhelmed from a meltdown?

Remember, taking care of yourself is not only important for your own well-being but also for creating a calm and positive environment for your family.

Conclusion

Winter break is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your kids, enjoy the season, and make lasting memories. With some planning and a whole lot of grace—for both your kids and yourself—you can create a holiday filled with joy, not stress. Remember, it's not about perfection; it's about embracing the moments that matter most. And hey, if things get overwhelming, there’s always hot cocoa and an early bedtime waiting for you. You’ve got this!

Stephanie Greco is Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Parent Mentor. She is the founder of Stepping Stones Behavior Solutions and Stepping Stones to Successful Parenting. Follow on Instagram @Successful_Parenting_Coach and Facebook Stepping Stones to Successful Parenting.

Disclaimer:
The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a behavior analyst and parent mentor for Stepping Stones for Parenting Success, I share general strategies and insights that may support families on their parenting journey. However, every child and family is unique, and the approaches discussed may not be suitable for all situations. If you have specific concerns regarding your child’s behavior, development, or well-being, please consult a qualified professional for individualized support and guidance.