Winter break has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute it’s packing lunches and signing permission slips (or school lessons and co-ops in our case), and the next minute, the kids are out of school for two weeks staring at us like, “What’s the plan?”
I love my children, truly. We’re together 90 percent of the time, which was half the appeal of homeschool. I love the snuggles and slow mornings, but I also love sanity (and five consecutive minutes without someone asking for a snack). So here’s your mama-approved survival guide to winter break, from someone who spends a lot of time with her kids.
1. Start with a soft schedule.
We are not talking military-grade itinerary or a color-coded spreadsheet. You just need a gentle rhythm, so no one (including you) melts into a puddle of chaos by day three.
- Slow morning
- One anchor activity
- Afternoon downtime
- Early bedtime (now that my kids are a little bigger, I have them read in their rooms if they want to extend their bedtime)
Kids thrive on routine, and quite honestly, so do I.
2. Play outside, even when they complain.
The winter air got frigid really quickly, but it can also be magic. Fresh air means kids who sleep well and moms who can think clearly. Bundle them up for outdoor fun – a local hike, make an outdoor scavenger hunt, or take the kids tubing.
3. Have a “go-to” indoor outing.
There are days here when everyone is climbing the walls, none of the toys are fun, and brothers who are usually best friends want nothing more than to bother the daylights out of each other. Keeping simple plans in place can literally save the day.
- Stew Leonard’s for samples and animatronics (don’t knock it until you try it)
- The Maritime Aquarium
- Your favorite library’s kids’ section
- Ice skating
4. Create a cozy home base.
December is made for warmth and nostalgia. Light a candle, put on music, and lean into the simple things.
- Play board games
- Set up a hot cocoa bar
- Make blanket forts and watch a movie inside
Kids actually are pretty simple; they prefer presence over “big entertainment.”
5. Let them be bored.
I’ve actually written an entire article dedicated to this subject, more on that here, but hear me out. Boredom is the birthplace of creativity.
My husband has actually banned the use of the word bored, no jokes, the kids are literally not allowed to say it. They do question us sometimes about “what to do because there’s noooooooothing to do.” After the side eye, I usually respond with, “I can’t wait to see what you come up with.” They usually end up rediscovering a lost toy set, building Legos, or something else entirely. Boredom equals brain development, and you get a hot minute to reheat your coffee.
6. Keep expectations low and gratitude high.
There will be noise, and clutter, and bickering, and sugar crashes, and that’s okay. Breathe, pray, and remember that this season is fleeting. These chaotic winter breaks will be the ones you’ll long for one day.
7. Choose one “special thing.”
Here’s where we keep the emphasis on one thing, not fifty-seven. Look for one special holiday event or outing that becomes your family’s thing. It could be going for a drive with hot cocoa to look at lights, a cookie-baking day, a Christmas Eve movie, or a special dinner. Keep it simple, that’s what kids remember.
8. End each day with peace.
A slow bedtime routine, music, prayer, and snuggles can anchor anyone, even after the noisiest of days. It reminds your kids that this home is safe, cozy, and full of love. And it resets me also.
Your winter break doesn’t need to be overwhelming. A few simple rhythms and a handful of grace can help you create a season of joy and togetherness.
P.S. If all else fails when surviving winter break, hiding in the bathroom with a tin of Christmas cookies is never frowned upon.
