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Christmas with a toddler is magical and exhausting in equal measure. They’re old enough to be amazed by the lights, and young enough to pull every ornament off the bottom of the tree, skip a nap at Grandma’s, and melt down in the middle of the store.
The secret isn’t doing more. It’s adjusting your expectations and planning around your little one. Here’s how to keep the season calmer and more fun for everyone.
Free: Christmas Planning Starter Kit. A holiday budget sheet, gift tracker and December countdown checklist.
Toddler-proof the tree and decorations
- Put breakables up high. Hang shatterproof or felt ornaments on the bottom third of the tree, and save the glass and heirloom pieces for the top.
- Secure the tree. Anchor it to the wall with fishing line or a small hook, or try a smaller tree on a table.
- Watch the small stuff. Tinsel, ornament hooks, small decorations and button batteries are choking hazards. Skip them or keep them well out of reach.
- Give them their own tree. A small felt tree with stick-on ornaments lets toddlers “decorate” as much as they want.
Protect the routine (as much as you can)
- Plan around naps. Schedule shopping, visits and outings for after nap time, or bring a travel crib or stroller so they can sleep on the go.
- Keep bedtime close to normal. A late night here and there is fine, but several in a row usually means a very cranky Christmas morning.
- Pack snacks for everything. Hungry toddlers melt down fast, especially when dinner is running late.
- Bring familiar things to relatives’ houses: a favorite blanket, a stuffed animal and a few small toys.
Make shopping easier
- Order online or use pickup. Skip the crowded stores and long lines in cold or rainy weather. It’s also easier to compare prices.
- Shop during nap time or after bedtime, or trade babysitting with a friend for a kid-free shopping morning.
Let them help
- Bake together. Toddlers can dump in pre-measured ingredients, stir, and press cookie cutters. Expect a mess and a lot of joy.
- Give them small jobs. Putting unbreakable ornaments on the tree, sticking bows on wrapped gifts, or “delivering” gifts to the pile all make them feel part of it.
Accept help from family
If grandparents or other relatives are around for the holidays, let them help. They get quality time with your little one, and you get a chance to shop, cook, wrap, or simply sit down for a few minutes.
Keep gifts simple
Toddlers are often more excited about the wrapping paper and boxes than what’s inside. A few well-chosen gifts are plenty. Open gifts slowly, maybe a few at a time throughout the day, so it doesn’t turn into an overwhelming pile.
Gift ideas for toddlers: stacking and building toys, chunky puzzles, board books, play kitchens and toy food, ride-on toys, and art supplies like washable crayons and stickers.
Start traditions that grow with them
Toddler years are the perfect time to start simple traditions: new pajamas on Christmas Eve, a Christmas book at bedtime, or driving around to look at the lights. They’ll come to look forward to them for years. For more ideas, see 25 Christmas Activities for Kids.
Christmas with a toddler FAQ
How do I keep my toddler away from the Christmas tree?
Put unbreakable ornaments on the lower branches, secure the tree so it can’t tip, and consider a baby gate or play yard around it for very curious climbers. Giving them their own felt tree to decorate helps too.
How many gifts should a toddler get for Christmas?
There’s no right number, but most toddlers are happiest with just a few. Many families use a simple rule like “something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read.”
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