7 Behaviours Parents Don’t Need to Stress About at Christmas

Did you know children can be kind, loving and sweet and still find it really hard to “behave” at Christmas?(A.K.A. meet adult expectations.)

December is a lot. I’m exhausted, you’re exhausted and our children have never been so excited. That combination can be a recipe for stress when it comes to our children’s behaviour. Add in expectations from other adults and suddenly we’ve got fuel on an already burning festive fire.

But here’s the good news: not everything that looks like 'bad behaviour' needs to be a big deal. In fact, here are: 

7 behaviours you won't catch me stressing about this Christmas:

1. If your child doesn’t like Santa or refuses to interact with him

That’s okay. It can be overwhelming to meet a stranger in a red suit, even if he’s jolly. Not every child finds it magical.

2. If your child has more meltdowns than usual

Even when you can’t quite understand why. There’s excitement, sugar, disrupted routines and big emotions - it’s a lot for little brains to process.

3. If your child doesn’t say “thank you” on demand or seems ungrateful

Gratitude is a skill that takes time to develop. A quiet or overwhelmed child isn’t rude - they’re just managing a lot of stimulation.

4. If your child isn’t affectionate or refuses hugs or kisses from relatives

Children have the right to decide who touches them. Supporting their boundaries teaches confidence and consent — even at Christmas.

5. If your child seems 'spoilt' about presents or snacks

Christmas can be overwhelming - new toys, treats and excitement everywhere. Children live in the moment and self-regulation is still developing.

6. If your child doesn’t follow instructions or do what you ask straight away

Distraction is part of the season! With so much going on, it’s natural for children to be less focused or compliant.

7. If your child is overtired and reacts in ways they usually wouldn’t

Late nights, busy days and overstimulation all play a role. Sometimes their behaviour is just a tired body saying “I need rest.”

Why This Matters

My son says he wants “nothing” for Christmas.

My friend’s child says they hate Santa.

Does this make them naughty? Rude? Ungrateful?

Or are they just children - navigating the wildest, most stimulating time of year?

As adults, it’s easy to place our grown-up expectations onto children. But they aren’t mini adults. Their brains don’t differentiate imagination from reality like ours do - and the world around them feels different right now.

Think about it:

• At any other time of year, we teach our kids not to talk to strangers - yet suddenly it’s normal to sit on one’s lap and ask for gifts.

• We tell them to be careful at home - yet we talk about reindeer landing on the roof.

• We accept tiredness and frustration most of the year - but at Christmas, we expect constant joy and perfect manners.

  
  

I’m not saying we shouldn’t do these things. I love the magic of Christmas too. But it helps to remember that this season can be confusing and overwhelming for children. When they act out, rather than being critical, we can be curious - what’s behind the behaviour? What are they trying to tell us?

This Christmas, let’s give our children the gift of understanding - and ourselves the gift of less stress.

If this resonates with you, share it with friends or family who might need the same gentle reminder: some behaviours just don’t need to be battled over this season.

Hi, I’m Emma, Early Childhood Expert and founder of Everyday. My goal is simple: help parents understand their children better, so connection deepens, guidance becomes clearer and every stage feels a little brighter. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the extraordinary - it’s about the everyday.