The holidays are a time of excitement and wonder for kids, and they often have a hard time relaxing, staying calm, and sleeping well. Here are some tips to prevent holiday meltdowns and help your kids (and you!) have a peaceful holiday season.

1. Don't overschedule

Be realistic about what can fit on your kids' plates and your own.

• For babies and toddlers, in particular, less is more
• Keep individual temperaments in mind; an activity that may be comfortable for one child may be overwhelming for another
• Pick a few events, with input from your kids, and take time to enjoy each experience as a family
• Know when it's time to throw in the towel

2. Keep kids busy

Have activity-based celebrations and give kids something to do. Make cards, decorations, cookies, or gifts. Consider letting each child select one activity for the whole family to do during the season.

3. Have kids stay physically active 

Physical activity is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce stress and ensure that a child gets a good night's sleep. Children should have at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every day (but not right before bedtime because it may make it harder for your child to relax and fall asleep).

4. Take it outside 

When possible, have kids play outdoors. Fresh air and exposure to sunlight help kids to sleep better at night.

5. Teach kids relaxation skills

Techniques such as stretching, progressive relaxation, deep breathing, and guided visualization can be a terrific way to play, and it's easy to incorporate the holidays in creative ways. Consider a slow-motion version of "Santa Says" where you ask kids to stretch, move slowly and relax.

6. Plan downtime 

Make home a refuge from the madness of the holiday season by building family "quiet time" into your daily schedule.

• Limit screen time, including computer games, video games, and time spent watching television
• Spend quiet time resting, reading, or listening to music
• Tell or read inspiring holiday stories.

7. Maintain bedtime routines 

With all the excitement of the holidays, everyone becomes a little sleep-deprived, which can put a quick end to holiday fun. The more you try to come close to a "normal" routine, the more likely everyone will be even-keeled.

8. Limit junk food

During the holidays, yummy food and tasty treats are everywhere, and with all the excitement, regular meals don't always occur. To avoid sugar overload:

• Make sure everyone is having three regular meals each day
• With sweets and treats, moderation is key--don't deprive kids, but limit how much they eat
• Fill in with healthier snacks

9. Give the gift of giving 

The time-honored tradition of helping others can shift priorities. Giving a heartfelt gift to someone else encourages generosity and helps children see the exchange of presents from a new and different perspective. Having your kids help others helps them feel useful and encourages compassion.

10. Teach appreciation and gratitude

The holiday season, when we're sharing special time with loved ones and bringing the year to a close, is a perfect time to teach kids to appreciate the many things they have. Share good things that happened during your day and have your child do the same. Depending on your beliefs, you may wish to incorporate prayers of appreciation and thankfulness. Help kids understand that gifts are thoughtful gestures, not just a way to get what they want. Even when children are disappointed in a gift, they should express gratitude so the giver's feelings don't get hurt.

Source: LifeCare