Magical Mindset at the Most Magical Time of the Year

For many families, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year - a magical season filled with bright lights, fun music, and lots of sweet treats. As wonderful as the holiday season is, it can also be overwhelming. For some families, the holiday season brings financial hardship, missing loved ones, or changes in routine that disrupt stability. Additionally, the hustle and bustle of holiday activities can be overstimulating. For children, the excitement and anticipation can be hard to regulate, and kids can have a hard time finding a balance of holiday fun and too much merriment.

So how can we help ourselves and our children navigate these big holiday feelings?

Embrace a Magical Mindset

We can use our magical mindsets to help us cope with big feelings, stressful times, and all kinds of situations. Our magical mindset doesn’t always have a magic fix, but it empowers us to know that we have the tools we need to help us work through whatever we are faced with. When we use our magical mindsets, we are saying to ourselves:

“Okay, this is how I’m feeling, what do I need to do to help myself?”

Teaching kids to use their magical mindsets can encourage them to identify their feelings and be accountable for choosing a positive strategy. We can use our magical mindsets to help us find the calm in the holiday chaos.

Mindful Holiday Strategies for Families

Here are some simple, festive ways to practice a magical mindset with your family this season:

Hot Cocoa Breathing - Pretend you are holding a cup of hot cocoa. Breathe in through your nose to smell the delicious chocolate. Breathe out through your mouth to cool off the hot drink. Do this several times.

Melting Snowman - Take a seat on the floor, sitting up as tall as you can, and pretend that you are a snowman. Slowly start to “melt” by relaxing your muscles and sinking down into the floor. Once you’ve completely melted, slowly bring yourself back up to the snowman position.

Winter Hug - Wrap your arms around the front of your body and give yourself a big hug. Breathe in and out slowly while you hold your hug for 5 seconds. 

Togetherness - Involve children in holiday traditions or create your own new traditions.

Find Time for Quiet - Whether it’s enjoying a holiday movie or book, or doing Christmas, Hanukkah, or Winter Solstice crafts, take time for activities that promote calmness.

Rest & Rejoice - Take a break to enjoy the holiday decorations. Notice the colors, textures, and scents. Take deep breaths.

Step Into the Season - Encourage physical movement by taking a walk in nature. Look for things like pinecones, dried leaves, and wildlife tracks (especially if there is snow). 

Practice Gratitude - Encourage children to express gratitude for the things they have. Promote charitable giving. Involve children in experiences to help others.

Remember: You’ve Got the Magic!

Having a magical mindset means knowing how to identify emotions and choosing positive, healthy coping strategies. This holiday season, may your family be wrapped in warmth, wonder, and the gentle gift of a magical mindset.

About the Author

Allison Joy is an elementary school counselor with a passion for creating fun and engaging materials to inspire students to believe in themselves. A veteran counselor, she weaves meaningful lessons within whimsical stories to help children thrive. My Magical Mindset is her debut picture book. She lives in Indiana with her husband, four daughters, and two dogs. @allisonmjoy, where she creates magical memories from everyday moments.