Every December, there’s a familiar pressure on parents to create a “magical” Christmas for their children : the perfect presents, photos, the packed schedule of visits, lights, Santa trips and traditions. But while Christmas is often imagined as magical for toddlers , it can also bring a lot of change and stimulation all at once. Working day to day with babies and toddlers at Hopscotch Children’s Nurseries, I notice a familiar pattern as Christmas approaches. Children who are usually very settled often become more emotional or clingy, and separations at drop-off may feel harder than usual. You might see more big feelings, more tears, or a need for extra reassurance. Then, when January arrives, some parents return feeling worn out – and a little puzzled about why everything felt so tricky. The truth is that this is a very normal response to a busy, exciting and change-filled time of year for young children. The reality is that toddlers don’t experience Christmas as a single joyful event from start to finish. Instead, they experience it in lots of small moments – some of which are disruptive. Their world suddenly becomes louder, busier, and much less predictable. Routines shift, there’s more travelling between homes, unfamiliar faces, big emotions from the adults around them, and lots of extra stimulation. Even well-meaning moments can be overwhelming. Being encouraged to hug relatives they don’t know well, being rushed through “thank yous”, or opening present after present when they’ve already reached capacity can all add to that sense of overload. When a toddler melts down on Christmas Day, it’s not a failure of parenting, but is more likely to be a sign they’re over-stimulated. What I see parents struggling with most is the pressure they put on themselves. There’s a feeling that everything has to be done “right”: the Christmas Eve box, Elf on the Shelf, the perfect Santa visit, seeing everyone in a short space of time. Parents are often stressed trying to make Christmas special – and children pick up on that stress very quickly. One moment that’s stayed with me happened a few years ago with my niece. She was four, and I was so excited for her to open the present I’d chosen. But when she did, she barely reacted. At the time, I felt deflated. But looking back, I’ve realised she was simply full. She’d already opened so many gifts in a busy house full of people. Later that day, when things were calmer, we sat together in a quiet room and played with it. That gentle, grounded moment was what helped her reset, not the “big reveal”. For toddlers, a “successful” Christmas isn’t measured by excitement on camera or perfectly planned days. It’s measured by feeling safe, being close to trusted adults, having moments of familiarity within all the change – and being allowed to opt out when it becomes too much. If there’s one thing I wish parents would take from this, it’s permission to do less. Slowing down enough to simply be together, playing a game, sharing a story, watching a familiar film, or doing nothing at all, can be far more comforting for a young child than a packed schedule and piles of presents. Because presence really does matter more than presents. And often, it’s those quieter, calmer moments that children carry with them long after Christmas is over. Jordan Stanley is an early years curriculum lead at Hopscotch Children’s Nurseries in Brighton and the South East, where he works closely with babies, toddlers and families. He has 13 years’ experience supporting young children’s emotional development and helping parents navigate big transitions, including during the festive period. Related... These 4 Reddit Hacks For Getting Toddlers To Comply Are *Chef's Kiss* 10 Early Signs Of ADHD In Toddlers Experts Want Parents To Know Parenting Coach Reveals What To Say To Toddlers To Stop Them Hitting You