The holidays with kids are a magical mix of twinkle lights, sugar highs, missing gloves, and five different school dress-up days you somehow didn’t see on the newsletter. But even in the chaos, this season can be so fun — and honestly, kids make it better.
Here’s my just-for-fun guide to celebrating the holidays with little ones — the manageable, memory-making version that doesn’t require perfection.
1. Lower the Bar (Like, Way Lower)
Your holiday doesn’t need to look like Pinterest to be magical. In fact, my kids think putting up the tree in pajama pants while eating pretzels is the peak of holiday spirit.
Pro tip: If you get the tree halfway decorated before someone starts crying, you’ve won.
2. Pick One “Big” Holiday Activity and Call It Good
Kids don’t need a full holiday itinerary — they just need one thing to look forward to:
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Driving around to look at Christmas lights
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A holiday movie night with popcorn
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Baking cookies (even if they’re store-bought and “baking” just means placing them on a tray)
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Meeting Santa somewhere low-pressure
Set the bar low. The kids will remember the glow, not the logistics.
3. Holiday Treats Are a Survival Tool
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Firefly Coffeehouse in Oregon – spacious, cozy, and kid-approved.
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Barriques – Great lattes for you, warm cookies for them.
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Yola’s Café – grab a scone, fuel up, and make your plan of attack.
I am normally the mom who packs healthy snacks. But during the holidays sometimes it’s:
“Here’s a peppermint brownie, please don’t lick the Target cart.”
Some treats buy you 10 minutes of peace. Some buy you an entire afternoon. Choose accordingly.
4. Don’t Force the Perfect Photo
The best holiday photo?
The one where at least one kid is:
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Blinking
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Making a weird face
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Holding up something completely random
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Wearing a shirt that mysteriously doesn’t match
But there’s always a sparkle in their eyes — and that’s the real magic.
5. Let the Kids Help (Even If It’s a Disaster)
They want to wrap presents?
Hand them the tape dispenser and mentally release all expectations.
They want to pick a gift?
You’re coming home with slime or a Squishmallow. It’s fine.
Stop by a few for my kids favorites places- peaceful heart in Oregon or Kismet Books in Verona.
Kids feel proud when they’re part of the holiday “work.” And honestly, their odd little touches become the sweetest memories.
6. Get Outside When the Chaos Peaks
There is no meltdown that a cold-weather walk or snowman-building attempt won’t fix.
Even if:
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Someone immediately loses a mitten
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You end up carrying everyone’s hats, coats, boots, and emotional baggage
Fresh air works miracles.
7. Make Space for Your Moments, Too
Kids get magic everywhere they turn, but moms deserve some magic too.
So take 20 minutes for:
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A peppermint mocha in peace
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A bath with your favorite holiday candle
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Wrapping gifts with a cheesy Hallmark movie on
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A late-night drive just to see the lights
Your holiday memories matter just as much as theirs.
Final Mom Tip: The Memories Sneak Up on You
In the middle of the chaos — the messes, the sugar highs, the overtired meltdowns — your kids will do something small and sweet that stops you in your tracks.
And you’ll think: This. This is the magic.
The holidays aren’t perfect, but they’re unforgettable. And that’s exactly how it should be.
-By: Laura Parman
