A Few Holiday Season Reminders - From our Family to Yours

Christmas season can be fun, but it’s also busy in a way kids really feel. We hear it from families every year. More tears. Less sleep. Everything slightly off. Kids staying up late. Eating differently. Acting emotional. Getting sniffles right when family is visiting. Most of this isn’t something going “wrong.” It’s just a lot happening at once.

We wanted to share a few simple thoughts — not rules — just things we see again and again during the holidays.

Sleep (it matters more than it seems)

Sleep usually slips first during Christmas. One late night turns into two. Naps get skipped. Kids don’t always say they’re tired, but it shows in other ways.

Things that usually help:

• keeping bedtime close, not perfect

• quiet time during the day, even if sleep doesn’t happen

• doing the same small bedtime habits

Overtired kids cry more, get sick faster, and melt down over small things. This is normal.

Germs, colds, and all the gatherings

More people around means more germs. It’s just reality.

A few basics we remind families of:

• wash hands when you remember

• skip close contact if someone is sick

• watch how your child is acting, not just symptoms

Runny noses and coughs are very common. If a fever sticks around or your child feels unusually low-energy, it’s okay to check in.

About sugar (no guilt here)

Christmas treats are part of Christmas. The problem usually isn’t sugar itself, it’s when meals disappear completely.

What tends to work better:

• offering meals first

• adding protein or fruit when you can

• expecting mood swings when food is mostly sweets

Balance matters more than control.

Arizona winter things parents don’t expect

Arizona winters feel mild, but the air is very dry. That surprises a lot of families.

Things we see often:

• kids not drinking enough water

• dry noses and nosebleeds at night

• congestion that’s actually allergies

• sun exposure even in December

Humidifiers help. Saline helps. Water helps. Layers help more than heavy jackets.

Traveling with kids

Travel sounds fun until you’re doing it with a tired child.

Helpful reminders:

• pack snacks and water where you can reach them

• bring comfort items from home

• plan for delays (they happen)

Slower plans usually mean calmer kids.

Emotional stuff counts too

Holidays are loud. Busy. Overstimulating.

You might notice:

• clinginess

• irritability

• sudden tears

Quiet breaks are not “ruining the fun.” They help kids reset.

A small holiday note from Agave Pediatrics

There is no perfect Christmas with kids. There are just real ones. Kids don’t remember schedules or menus. They remember feeling safe and cared for.

From all of us at Agave Pediatrics, we wish your family a calm, healthy holiday season. If something doesn’t feel right, reach out. That’s what we’re here for.