A Kinder Christmas

Gems Early Learning Newsletter December 2025 | By Shawn Barron Head Teacher The Nest Kōwhai

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The only thing more magical than being a kid at Christmas time is watching your children experience it. You begin to understand the effort it takes to create memories and joy that last a lifetime. But the season can come with some unexpected parenting challenges - especially for very young children. Here are some helpful things to keep in mind as you navigate the silly season.

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Presents.... No wait, PRESENCE!

Always—and more than anything else—your children need you.

It’s easy to get caught up in creating the perfect experience, but slowing down to enjoy it alongside them is what makes the magic stick.

That doesn’t mean you should feel guilty for being busy—but watch their happiness grow exponentially when you stop to share in it too.

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Security

Despite all of the fun, the holidays can be overwhelming for young children.

For days or even weeks, everything becomes a bit louder, faster, brighter, and more demanding.

If you stay tuned in to how your child is feeling and offer understanding—even when their reactions aren’t what you expected—it can go a long way to preventing overwhelm for everyone.

Excitement

Excitement burns energy quickly. Extra rest, quieter mornings, and protected downtime can help children stay regulated throughout the season.

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Support

In the first years of life, our biology tells us to look after only ourselves—a question of survival. This means that most young children are not naturally prepared to show gratitude, respect, or joyful appreciation for all your hard work. These skills require time and teaching. A few supportive strategies include:

Prepare: Let children know what to expect, even if they are pre-verbal. Talk through anything you already know may be tricky.

Model: Open one of your gifts first and narrate your thoughts. “It was so kind of Grandma to think of me!” You can even gently model disappointment: “Well, no jetboat this year! That’s okay—I’m so lucky to be with my family.”

Pause: Even with preparation, big emotions will happen. If behaviour starts to feel disrespectful or dysregulated, that’s your cue to take a break. “This feels big, let’s take a little pause.” Try going outside, playing hide and seek, having a wrapping paper snowball fight, a snack, or putting on a Christmas movie.

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What Young Children Don’t NEED During the Holidays

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Shopping Mall Santa

Photos with Santa can be a delightful tradition – one that we love here at Gems - but for some children, waiting in long lines, being handed to a
stranger, and receiving a lot of attention may feel scary. If it's an important tradition to you, it can be helpful to sit in on the photo as well to offer comfort.

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Too Much of Anything

Build-up, busy movement, lots of people, stimulation, or too many gifts can overwhelm young children. For the first few years, think of each Christmas as a gentle step toward a big celebration in the future. It's okay to hold back some gifts for another day, to leave the party early or skip it altogether. Give yourself permission to slow down.

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Forced Affection

Lots of people love your child and will be excited to see them during the holidays. But if you’re celebrating with someone you rarely see, that person may feel like a stranger to your child. Prepare for some awkward moments and practise saying, “It’s okay if you aren'’t ready for a hug.”

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Silly Season Survival Guide

1. Put yourselves first (these are the years, really, it’s okay)

2. Set boundaries that protect what your child needs

3. Make things predictable – surprises set the stage for dysregulation

4. Model gratitude and don’t expect it from them yet

5. Prepare for big emotions - Sometimes tears come when you least expect them.

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How We Celebrate Holidays at Gems

At Gems, we love a celebration. With Christmas - as with Diwali, Chinese New Year, Matariki and other holidays that are important in our community - we nurture a natural, child-led learning environment that incorporates imagery, artefacts, sounds, and traditions of the cultures represented in our whānau. We warmly encourage and invite you to share any special traditions your family enjoys – we would love to weave these into the learning and celebration at Gems.