1. Prepare Ahead with Your Child’s Christmas Needs in Mind
Christmas excitement can sometimes add extra energy to little ones – and that means a bit of extra planning can make the journey easier. Consider the essentials they’ll need, including festive touches, to keep them comfortable:
- Pack small, festive surprises: Think holiday-themed colouring books, a favourite Christmas storybook, or even a small wrapped gift to unwrap along the way.
- Make a list of essentials: Don’t forget comfort items like a beloved blanket, snacks, nappies or pull-ups, and any medications or special creams.
- Festive travel activities: Bring along a few Christmas activities, like a sticker set, small holiday craft kits, or a Santa letter template they can fill in while you’re travelling.
With the right essentials close at hand, you’ll be ready to handle anything the holiday journey brings!
2. Get Them Excited About the Christmas Journey
Building excitement can help ease any worries about travel. Involve children in the holiday planning, turning the journey itself into a Christmas adventure:
- Share stories of Christmas magic: Tell them about the festive fun awaiting at your destination, whether it’s seeing Grandma’s Christmas tree or baking holiday treats with family.
- Create a holiday countdown: Count down the days to “Christmas travel day” and let children help pack a special holiday bag, choosing a few Christmas toys or books to keep them entertained.
- Sing Christmas carols on the road or in the air: A little holiday music can help set a cheerful tone and bring some Christmas cheer to the journey.
When kids feel involved, the Christmas travel adventure becomes an exciting part of the festivities.
3. Keep Routines Consistent – Even with Holiday Excitement
As exciting as Christmas is, young children often benefit from a familiar routine, especially when travelling:
- Travel during nap times if possible: Scheduling travel around their usual sleep schedule can help little ones rest during the trip, even with all the holiday buzz around them.
- Pack familiar bedtime items with a Christmas twist: Include their usual bedtime story or a festive new book, a comforting blanket, or a favourite Christmas plush.
- Festive but familiar snacks: A favourite treat or a special holiday snack like gingerbread biscuits can help keep things fun yet soothing. Packing a few of their favourite foods is always a good idea for when they need a familiar taste.
Maintaining some sense of their routine will help little ones feel secure, even in the midst of Christmas excitement.
4. Make Travel Comfortable and Festive
Comfort is key when travelling with children, especially during a busy season like Christmas. A few small touches can go a long way:
- Dress in cosy, layered clothing: This allows you to adapt to different temperatures on the plane or in the car – and festive outfits, like a Santa hat or a reindeer jumper, can add a bit of Christmas cheer!
- Bring noise-cancelling headphones or holiday songs: For plane trips, noise-cancelling headphones can make the journey more comfortable. Or, pack a playlist of favourite Christmas tunes for a bit of holiday spirit on the go.
- Pack a mini “Christmas comfort kit”: Fill a small bag with items to create a cozy nook, like a blanket, a small pillow, and perhaps a tiny, safe holiday decoration to keep the Christmas magic alive.
These little touches will help them feel relaxed and excited to see what Christmas wonders await at your destination.
5. Plan Fun Movement Breaks for Kids Along the Way
Sitting still is hard for active kids, especially with all the Christmas energy they’re feeling! Plan for breaks to help release some of that excitement:
- Take rest stops if driving: Stop every few hours for a “reindeer run” – a quick stretch or game to help kids get their wiggles out and stay engaged.
- Mini-stretches on the plane: For flights, a short walk in the aisle or a quick stretch in your seats can help everyone feel refreshed.
- Turn it into a Christmas game: As you move around, play “I Spy” for Christmas lights, decorations, or even Santa sightings in the airport, making movement breaks festive and fun.
A little bit of activity goes a long way in helping kids stay happy and ready for more Christmas adventure.
6. Expect the Unexpected and Keep a Festive Spirit
With the busyness of Christmas travel, unexpected things can happen – but keeping a festive attitude can help you and your child enjoy the journey, no matter what:
- Surprise them with a Christmas treat or toy if delays happen: If there’s a delay, a small wrapped toy, book, or festive treat can work wonders to keep spirits high.
- Keep calm and jolly: Children look to parents for cues on how to react, so maintaining a relaxed, cheerful attitude (even if things go a little off-track) can keep them feeling confident and calm.
- Bring extra holiday entertainment: Download a favourite Christmas movie or app to enjoy if the journey takes longer than expected.
Staying flexible and embracing the unexpected as part of the Christmas adventure will help everyone stay merry and bright.
7. Settling In for a Cozy Christmas Upon Arrival
Once you reach your destination, a little routine can help kids feel at home and ready to enjoy the festive season:
- Create a cozy Christmas bedtime: If it’s close to bedtime, a familiar Christmas story, a cuddly toy, or even a small nightlight can make it easier for little ones to settle down in a new place.
- Set up a mini Christmas nook: Let your child arrange their holiday items or even a small Christmas decoration in their new space to feel comfortable and festive.
- Plan a calm first night: Arriving somewhere new can be overwhelming, so keep the first night relaxed with a few comforting Christmas touches.
With these small steps, your family can ease into the Christmas spirit, even if you’re far from home.
At Cherished Cherubs, we know the joy and challenge that come with creating a magical Christmas holiday for your family. If you’re visiting loved ones in Perth this Christmas or need some extra help while preparing for your holiday travels, our trusted babysitters are here to bring you peace of mind and support. Whether you need a few hours to wrap gifts, attend a Christmas event, or relax during the busy season, our experienced team is here to help make your holiday experience as special and stress-free as possible.
Contact us today to learn more about how Cherished Cherubs can support your family’s Christmas plans with safe, warm, and reliable care that feels like family.
