How to Help Your Family Return to Their Regular Routine After the Holidays

Most families go through it every year. It’s the quiet after the storm, or you could call it the letdown after Christmas and the other major holidays. This period of time can be a challenge for adults, but especially challenging for children. The excitement of the holiday season can last for days or even weeks, so when the glitter is gone, kids can feel restless, bored and even sad. But here’s how you can help your family return to their normal routine after the holidays.

1. Stick to Daily Routines

Even if your children are on school vacation, stick to the regular schedule for daily tasks. As a mom, do yourself a favor by making sure your children know what you expect of them. So set times for things like dinner, bathtime and bedtime after the holidays. Be strict about bedtime since your children will probably try to talk you out of it. If you set bedtime is at 9 p.m., help your kids relax and wind down beforehand, so they will be ready to go to sleep.

2. Do Some Fun Things Together

Take the time during school vacation to connect with your kids after the holidays are over. Do some crafts, art projects and coloring activity with them. Read stories, watch movies and make their favorite cookie recipe. Relax and get cozy indoors with your kids. Play board games or do puzzles and just have fun together.

3. Give Each Child Some Alone Time with You

Depending on their age and interests, try to spend some time with each child alone. Do something they love to do, even if it is just to sit and talk with them or run an errand together. This is your time to let them know you love and care about them. Talk about what they want to do after the holidays, too. 

4. Get Outside

It can be hard to spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter, but even if you go out for 15 to 20 minutes, you and your child will feel better. Go ice skating or take a walk around your neighborhood after the holidays. Go out and make a snowman, if you have enough snow. Go sledding or skiing with your kids. You could even set up a fire pit and have a backyard bonfire. Roast marshmallows and tell scary stories. It’s easy to make fun memories with your kids.

These simple activities can help your family recover from all the excitement of Christmas and the holiday season. Have fun while you help your family return to their regular routines after the holidays are all over.