Do you feel like you’re holding the emotional regulation of 30 children right now?

Do you feel like you’re holding the emotional regulation of 30 children right now?
Because in the run-up to Christmas… you absolutely are.
The glitter is out, the routines wobble, the emotions run high, and you feel it in your bones.

It’s beautiful.
It’s magical.
And it’s utterly exhausting.

If you’re feeling stretched, overwhelmed or just a little more tearful than usual — it’s not you. It’s the season. And you’re human. 

Here are my top Hygge tips for supporting your wellbeing (and theirs) in December:

 1. Slow the pace right down
Children don’t need more. They need less — less noise, less clutter, less rushing. Create pockets of calm where everyone can settle again.

 2. Prioritise play — real, deep, child-led play
Now more than ever, children need long stretches of uninterrupted play to ground them. Let them build, imagine and process big feelings through play.

 3. Get outside as much as you can
Fresh air regulates overwhelmed bodies in a way nothing else can. Chase the daylight, wrap up warm and let nature carry some of the load.

 4. Create calming spaces + cosy nooks
Soft lighting, cushions, blankets, books — little refuges help children who feel overstimulated or wobbly.

 5. Make time for connection
Children have so much to share at this time of year — excitement, stories, worries. Slow down and truly listen. It fills their cups… and yours.

 6. Save your energy for what matters
No one needs a Pinterest-perfect December. Choose meaningful moments over exhausting extras.

 7. Expect the wobbliness
Tiredness, excitement, disrupted routines — it’s all normal. When we expect dysregulation, we meet it with empathy instead of depletion.

 8. Protect your breaks
Even five minutes of quiet or fresh air can reset your nervous system. You matter. You’re allowed to rest.

 9. Lean into belonging
A calm, connected adult is the anchor children need. You don’t need to fix everything — just be the safe place they return to.

 10. And please — go gently with yourself
You’re holding so much. You’re doing it with so much love. And it’s okay to feel tired.

For more support in bringing a gentle, connection-focused, hygge-inspired approach into your setting, explore my training here:
 www.hyggeintheearlyyears.co.uk