The holiday season brings excitement, late nights, sugary treats, and a whole lot of energy! While it’s a wonderful time for family bonding, it can also throw kids’ routines completely off track. A simple, joyful morning routine can help your little one start the day feeling grounded, happy, and ready for holiday fun.
Here’s a holiday morning routine that’s kid-approved, parent-friendly, and perfect for keeping the magic alive all season long.
1. Wake Up Slowly With Something Cozy
Holidays are meant to feel special — that includes slow, cozy mornings.
Try:
- Soft holiday music
- Opening the curtains together to “wake up the day”
- A fun greeting like “Good morning, my little snowflake!”
Kids love predictability and playfulness combined.
2. Morning Stretch or Movement
A quick movement routine helps kids release morning wiggles and boosts their mood.
Ideas:
- “Stretch like a Christmas tree reaching for the star”
- “Shake like a jingle bell”
- “March like holiday elves”
Just 2–3 minutes makes a big difference in their regulation and focus.
3. Holiday Affirmation Time
This is a beautiful moment to set a positive tone for the day.
Use kid-friendly affirmations such as:
- “I am kind.”
- “I am helpful.”
- “I can try my best today.”
- “I spread joy everywhere I go.”
If you have Bellybees affirmation cards, this is a perfect time to pull one.
4. Choose Today’s Activity Together
Kids love structure AND choice.
Ask:
- “Do you want to do a craft today or play outside?”
- “Should we bake cookies or read a holiday book later?”
Letting them pick creates excitement for the day and reduces power struggles.
5. Breakfast With a Fun Twist
Make mornings festive without extra work.
Ideas:
- Add holiday-shaped fruit (stars, trees, hearts)
- Use cinnamon or nutmeg to make ordinary oatmeal feel special
- Serve breakfast with a fun holiday napkin or plate
The goal is joy, not perfection.
6. A Quick Learning Moment
Even during the holidays, tiny learning activities help kids stay creatively engaged.
Try:
- Naming objects that start with a letter of the day
- Holiday vocabulary flashcards
- Reading one page of a winter-themed story
This keeps the brain warm — just like the hot cocoa waiting for later!
7. Get Ready Together With a Mini Checklist
Kids thrive with visual routines, especially when days feel unpredictable.
A simple checklist:
- Brush teeth
- Wash face
- Pick a cozy outfit
- Comb hair
- Choose one “comfort item” for the day
Turn it into a game: “Can you beat the snowman’s countdown?”
8. End the Routine With a Moment of Connection
Before the day gets busy, give them one final grounding moment.
Ideas:
- A big morning hug
- A silly holiday handshake
- One-minute mindful breathing (“blow out the hot cocoa”)
This anchors them emotionally — and builds warm holiday memories.
A holiday morning routine doesn’t need to be long or complicated. It just needs to feel consistent, warm, and playful. When kids know what to expect, they feel safe — and when mornings start calm, the whole day feels more magical.
If you're looking for tools to make mornings even easier, Bellybees’ affirmation cards, feelings & emotions cards, and flashcards fit perfectly into this routine.
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