3 Mindful Holiday Moments: Creating Calm with Young Children
These mindful experiences help children develop self-regulation skills and present-moment awareness during the joyful holiday season, creating spaces for both excitement and peace.
1. Gratitude Snow Globe Stories
3. Kindness and Peace Corner
What We Do:
- Create a dedicated calming space with:
- Soft pillows and blankets
- Gentle lighting
- Peaceful holiday music
- Mindful activity choices
- Practice using space for:
- Quiet moments
- Emotional regulation
- Friend conflicts
- Holiday excitement breaks
- Document acts of kindness we notice
- Add to our "kindness collection" display
Materials Needed:
- Comfortable seating
- Light sources
- Music player
- Calming activities
- Documentation materials
Tips from Teachers:
Introduce one activity at a time
Keep sessions brief (5-10 minutes)
Follow children's interests
Allow for natural adaptations
Focus on process over outcome
What We Do:
- Gather in a peaceful space
- Pass a snow globe as our "talking piece"
- Watch the snow settle while thinking
- Share simple gratitude ("warm cookies," "hugging grandma")
- Create a visual display of responses
- Return to our gratitude wall throughout the season
Materials Needed:
- Snow globe or glitter jar
- Documentation materials
- Display space
- Cozy gathering area
2. Mindful Movement Winter Tales
What We Do:
- Combine gentle movement with winter imagery:
- Float like snowflakes (slow, peaceful movement)
- Melt like snowmen (gradual relaxation)
- Stretch like icicles (mindful reaching)
- Curl up like hibernating animals (finding stillness)
- Focus on breath and body feelings
- End with quiet reflection time
Materials Needed:
- Open, safe space
- Soft background music
- Optional: movement props
- Rest mats or pillows