It’s the week we have all been waiting for! Christmas is almost here and school is OUT. Excited? Nervous? Or a bit of both? As a team of mums ourselves, we know all too well that the Christmas holidays can be a CHALLENGE. The kids are tired from their first full term of the year but they are also hyped up with the excitement of everything Christmas.

Would we let you struggle on your own? Of course we wouldn’t! So without further ado here’s the Gator Watch guide to enjoying (surviving) the Christmas holidays.

BE CLEVER WITH THE STOCKING STUFFERS

Santa is on his way and the kids can barely contain their excitement! A stocking is a great way to “stock” up on all the fun things your kids will want to play with over the two-week break. So instead of sweets which will send them into a sugar crazed mania followed by tantrums and fits, choose gifts such as miniature puzzles, games and books to keep them QUIETLY amused for hours. Throw in a few crafty bits for extra luck and Santa’s job is done!

HOLD PRESENTS BACK

Are we meanies? Most of our kids will have piles of gifts to open on Christmas morning. As parents it’s so lovely watching the joy on their faces as they open their gifts. We also know that presents get quickly tossed aside in anticipation for what’s in the next box. It’s all over and done within the space of an hour and they are then overwhelmed with choice!

So this year why not hold a few presents back on Christmas day and save them for the rest of the Christmas break? The kids get to focus on a few select presents they have already opened and when they start to get bored you have a few more up your sleeve.

THINK ABOUT THE GIFT

Many of us will still be panicking about what we should get the kids for Christmas. We want to get them something they will love, but we also want something they will get lots of use out of and will be beneficial for them in the long term. If you are still stuck for gift ideas then check out our Ultimate Christmas gift guide for active kids. You’re welcome!

FIND A NEW HOBBY

The Christmas break is the perfect time to start planning out a brand new year. It’s also a great time to start thinking about trying something new.

Why not find some time to sit down and make a list of hobbies that your kids would be interested in pursuing this year? Not only do hobbies play a big part in their development both physically and emotionally, but they also help build on life skills such as teamwork and perseverance. To get started check out our blog post How to support your child to pursue a new passion or hobby. You never know what incredible journey they’re about to embark on.

GET THEM OUTSIDE

It may be cold, but don’t let that hold the kids back from getting outdoors. After a few days of binging on chocolate and candy canes (we all do it), we can guarantee that they will be climbing the walls.

Planning some walks and outdoor activities can be a great way to blow the sugar away and calm them down a little. If they got given a Gator Watch for Christmas then this is the perfect time to try it out. Allowing you a bit of time on the sofa whilst they explore independently.

MAKE YOUR OWN SURVIVAL KIT

And now…..the best bit.

We know that the kids will have their moments regardless of how prepared you are. So make sure you prepare YOURSELF with a little something too. Make your very own survival kit of wine, chocolate/cheese and a good book that you can take out when the kids are in bed. After all, Christmas may be for the kids, but it’s also for consuming our body weight in cheese and wine!

We hope these ideas help you through the chaos of the Christmas holidays. What are your hacks for keeping the kids happy? We would love to know. Join the conversation in the comments below, or via our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Pages.

My Gator Watch is a wearable mobile phone designed especially for 5-12-year-olds. It uses GPS, two-way calling, works across multiple networks and has an SOS feature for peace of mind. It does not have a messaging feature and you, the parent; determine all numbers that are pre-set within the phone.

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