Christmas morning is a magical time filled with excitement, joy, and endless energy. Creating a simple, structured routine can help ensure the day starts off smoothly and remains enjoyable for the entire family. From special breakfast traditions to opening presents, a well-organized morning sets the tone for a stress-free and festive day.
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1. Preparing the night before
A smooth Christmas morning begins the night before. Lay out pajamas, set up a cozy spot for opening presents, and ensure the stockings are ready to go. Preparing early minimizes stress and allows everyone to enjoy the morning excitement.
- Organizing gifts and stockings: Arrange gifts under the tree and stuff stockings after the kids are asleep. Use labels or color-coded wrapping paper to identify which gifts belong to each child. This keeps things organized and avoids confusion in the morning.
- Preparing breakfast ahead of time: Plan a festive breakfast in advance by prepping dishes the night before. Options like overnight oats, breakfast casseroles, or pre-made pancake batter save time and let you focus on the fun.
- Setting up Christmas decorations: Ensure all decorations, such as lights and ornaments, are in place before Christmas morning. A well-decorated space enhances the festive atmosphere and makes the morning feel extra special.
- Writing a letter to Santa: Encourage your child to write a final letter to Santa on Christmas Eve. This activity creates excitement and serves as a sweet keepsake to look back on in future years. You can even leave the letter out with cookies and milk for Santa to "collect."
2. Waking up with excitement
On Christmas morning, let the kids wake up at their own pace or set a designated time for everyone to gather around the tree. Keep the atmosphere festive by playing soft holiday music and lighting the tree to greet the day with warmth.
3. Opening presents
Unwrapping gifts is the highlight of Christmas morning for many kids. Create a calm and joyful environment by letting each family member take turns opening their presents.
This approach allows everyone to appreciate the thought behind each gift and keeps the moment from becoming overwhelming.
To help kids manage their excitement, consider maintaining a morning structure even on Christmas. For tips on balancing joy with routine, explore how to get kids to sleep on christmas eve to ensure they wake up rested and ready for the big day.
4. Christmas morning breakfast
After the excitement of opening gifts, gather around the table for a festive breakfast. Serve holiday-themed dishes like pancakes shaped as Christmas trees, gingerbread muffins, or a hot cocoa bar with marshmallows and candy canes.
Preparing parts of the meal the night before, such as overnight oats or a breakfast casserole, saves time and lets you focus on being present with your family.
For more tips on keeping holiday mornings manageable, check out How to keep kids on a sleep schedule during the holidays to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
5. Engaging in family activities
Spending time together is what makes Christmas morning truly special. After breakfast, dive into family-friendly activities like playing with new toys, building puzzles, or starting a board game. These shared moments strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
If your family has unique needs, such as managing ADHD during the holidays, Christmas with ADHD kids provides helpful strategies to make the day smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Christmas morning stories
Gather the family for a cozy storytelling session by the tree. Reading a Christmas story allows everyone to slow down and enjoy the holiday magic together.
Use the story “There Goes Santa” from the Storybook App, a heartwarming tale about how Santa celebrates each child’s uniqueness. The story highlights how Santa brings joy to every home on Christmas Eve, spreading happiness and diversity wherever he goes.
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Watching christmas movies together
After a busy morning, unwind with a holiday movie marathon. Family favorites like Home Alone, The Polar Express, or Elf are perfect for kids and adults alike. Snack on leftovers from breakfast or enjoy popcorn while you relax and enjoy the festive stories.
Christmas craft activities
Channel the kids’ excitement into creative Christmas crafts. Ideas include making paper snowflakes, decorating ornaments, or creating thank-you cards for Santa. These activities are a great way to keep the festive energy alive while offering a calming, hands-on experience.
6. Christmas traditions
Driving around to see Christmas lights and decorations
Bundle up the family and take a drive or stroll through the neighborhood to admire Christmas lights and festive decorations.
This activity is a peaceful way to soak in the holiday spirit and wind down after an exciting morning.
Community and school holiday celebrations
Reflect on past or upcoming community and school holiday events. Whether it’s a Christmas concert, a toy drive, or a festive bake sale, these experiences add meaning to the season and teach kids about the joy of giving.
The "Elf on the Shelf" tradition
If your family enjoys Elf on the Shelf, give the elf a grand farewell on Christmas morning. Perhaps the elf leaves a thank-you note for the kids or one last surprise before returning to the North Pole, setting the stage for next year’s visit.
7. Spreading Christmas cheer
Encourage children to spread holiday joy by reaching out to others. Have them call relatives to wish them a Merry Christmas, deliver homemade cookies to neighbors, or donate toys to a local charity.
These acts of kindness help children connect with the true meaning of the holiday.
For tips on transitioning back to everyday routines after Christmas, read children back into the routine after the holidays to ensure the shift is smooth and stress-free.
How do I manage a chaotic Christmas morning with young kids?
Prepare parts of your Christmas breakfast the night before to save time and reduce stress in the morning. Keep activities like puzzles, crafts, or family board games ready for when the presents are opened to help transition into quieter moments.
As Christmas transitions into the New Year, consider introducing your children to affirmations or simple resolutions to keep the positive spirit alive.
New year resolution ideas for kids provides inspiration for helping kids set fun and meaningful goals for the year ahead.
What are some activities to do after the presents are opened?
Once the gifts have been unwrapped, you can keep the festive energy alive with engaging activities:
- Family Activities: Play with new toys, start a board game, or build puzzles together.
- Storytime: Read a heartwarming Christmas story like “There Goes Santa” to slow down and savor the day.
- Crafting: Create thank-you cards for Santa or make Christmas crafts like ornaments or paper snowflakes.
How can we avoid Christmas morning stress?
To minimize Christmas morning stress, plan ahead and keep things simple:
- Prepare the Night Before: Lay out pajamas, organize gifts, and set up stockings. Prepping breakfast or snacks in advance can also save time.
- Stick to a Routine: While it’s tempting to throw schedules out the window, maintaining a predictable morning routine can help young children stay calm and grounded.
- Set Clear Expectations: Let kids know what to expect—when they can open presents, what’s planned for breakfast, and how the morning will unfold.
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Written By
Entrepreneur mum. I created Storybook: Bedtime Stories the #1 app in over 90 countries. I have been able to help families with the app and through my social media influence. I also created a Facebook group with over 12,000 moms where we support each other.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Lorena Koppel is a distinguished Child Clinical Psychologist based in Azuay, Ecuador, with over 26 years of experience at Monte Sinaí Hospital. She specializes in treating emotional disorders in children and adolescents, providing family counseling, and integrating theoretical and practical approaches in clinical psychology.
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