11. Thinking Ahead to Christmas Morning: Ideas to Make It As Joyful and Peaceful As Possible

Christmas morning can be a time of wonder and joy with little ones, but let’s be honest—it can also be chaotic, stressful, and full of high expectations. In this episode, I’m sharing practical tips to help you manage expectations, keep the focus on Jesus, and make Christmas morning a meaningful and joyful experience for the whole family. Whether you’re hosting at home or celebrating at a relative’s house, these ideas will help you navigate the day with peace and intention.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Before Christmas Morning:

• How to “prime” your kids to manage expectations.
• Setting limits for gift-opening to encourage patience and gratitude.
• Ideas for fostering an atmosphere of generosity and Christ-centered giving.

During Christmas Morning:

• The power of a balanced breakfast (yes, protein matters!).
• Practical hacks like having trash bags and scissors on hand.
• Simple ways to create pauses for rest, reset, and outdoor play.

After Christmas Morning:

• Handling big feelings and disappointments with grace.
• Encouraging gratitude and redirecting focus to the blessings of the day.
• Quick resets for overstimulated kids (and parents).

A Word of Encouragement:
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, remember that the first Christmas wasn’t perfect or peaceful—it was messy and chaotic. Yet, Emmanuel, God with us, entered that mess to bring peace and joy. So when your Christmas morning feels overwhelming, call on Him to bring calm to the chaos.

Resources and Links:

• Have a tip to share or want to let me know how you’re keeping Christmas morning joyful? Send me a message on Instagram or email me!
• Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.

Let’s Connect:
Follow me on Instagram: @sunniannelise
Sign up for my email list for updates, freebies, and encouragement: Link Here

Share This Episode!
If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend or leave a review. Let’s spread the message of keeping Christmas focused on Christ and full of joy!