1. Pace the Unwrapping
"Pace the unwrapping. Rather than opening everything in one sitting, try spacing out the gifts over several days. Let your child fully explore and engage with one or two gifts before introducing more. This helps deepen play and reduces overwhelm."
– Dr. Maral Amani, PT, DPT, is a Child Development Expert at LOVEVERY
2. Give your Kids a Special Notebook & Pen
"Have a special notebook for your kids to write down every gift they're given and who it's from. This gives them a chance to take stock after each gift they unwrap and think about the giver. The list can then be used to write thank you letters later in the holidays."
– Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior
3. Give Experiences Over Presents
"For family members eager to contribute and open to suggestions, suggest gifting experiences that your child can enjoy beyond the holiday season. For example, a pass to the local Zoo or an outing to a new library. These untraditional gifts encourage connection and can create lasting memories (and possibly new traditions!) between your little one and their loved ones."
– Dr. Maral Amani, PT, DPT, is a Child Development Expert at LOVEVERY
4. KEEP THEM COMFORTABLE
"If your kids are prone to getting overwhelmed, make sure they are wearing soft and comfy clothing that isn't irritating their skin or making them hot. Change them into their pyjamas early so they are super comfy and the wind down is slow and steady."
– Bonita Turner, Editor, Junior
5. Get them Involved in the Preparations
" We love getting the kids to write out  Christmas menus for the table. Making cute table decorations is also fun. This keeps the kids occupied, gives them a quiet project to focus on and makes them feel like they're playing an important part in making everything feel really special."
– Kit Bhatti, Head of Social, Junior
6. Create a Calm Zone
"Consider things like noise-cancelling headphones, comfortable layers under festive clothes, or smaller, quieter gatherings to help manage sensory overload and schedule quiet breaks or create a calm space where anyone can retreat if the celebrations become too much."
– Dr Selina Warlow, clinical psychologist and founder of Neurodevelopmental Clinic, The Nook
7. Stick to Your Regular Routine
"I'd say try to stick to your kids' regular bedtime routine. It is really tempting to let them stay up when there's so much going on but the next day they will be overtired and much more prone to meltdowns."
– Melanie Winjams, Head of Sustainability at Bugaboo and mother of three
