Lower the Pressure, Keep the Magic: Helping Kids Enjoy Movement the Week Before Christmas
The week before Christmas is magical and exhausting.
Routines are off. Schedules are packed. Excitement is high.
And for kids, that often shows up as extra energy, big emotions, and short attention spans.
It can be tempting to push structure or “stay on track” with normal routines, but this week isn’t the time to focus on performance, progress, or perfection.
At Runner2Runner, we believe movement should support kids not add pressure.
The week before Christmas is about connection, play, and regulation, not training plans or checklists.
Why Pressure Feels Higher This Week
Kids feel what adults feel.
When we’re rushing, stressed, or trying to make everything “just right,” kids often respond with:
Increased restlessness
Emotional ups and downs
Difficulty listening or focusing
Trouble winding down
That’s not bad behavior, it’s a nervous system asking for help.
Why Playful Movement Matters More Than Ever
Movement helps kids:
Release excess energy
Regulate emotions
Improve focus
Feel confident and capable
But it doesn’t need to look like practice or exercise.
This week, short, playful movement breaks are far more effective than structured workouts.
Think:
5–10 minutes
No equipment
Low expectations
High fun
A Gentle Reset: Short Movement Over Long Sessions
Instead of asking kids to “calm down,” movement gives their bodies a chance to reset naturally.
One game. One movement break. One playful challenge.
That’s enough.
Four Easy Holiday Movement Games
We created four short, festive movement games you can use anytime during the week before Christmas.
Each activity takes less than 5 minutes, works in small spaces, and encourages kids to move without pressure.
🎄Holiday Freeze Dance
How it Works:
Play holiday music. Kids dance however they want.
When the music stops — FREEZE!
Why It Helps:
✔ Releases energy
✔ Builds listening skills
✔ Encourages creativity
Make It Calming:
Slow the music toward the end and add deep breaths on freezes.
❄️ 2. Snowflake Balance Challenge
How it Works:
Kids pretend they are snowflakes landing softly on the ground.
Balance on one foot, switch feet, then try fun poses.
Why It Helps:
✔ Improves balance
✔ Builds body awareness
✔ Encourages focus
Add a Twist:
Close eyes for 3 seconds or balance while holding a stuffed animal.
🎁 3. Present Delivery Relay
How it Works:
Kids carry a “present” (stuffed animal, pillow, or book) across the room without dropping it.
Why It Helps:
✔ Encourages controlled movement
✔ Builds coordination
✔ Feels playful, not competitive
Indoor-Friendly:
Walk, tiptoe, or march instead of running.
🎅 4. Santa Says
How it Works:
Just like Simon Says — but with Santa!
“Santa says jump 5 times.”
“Santa says stretch like a reindeer.”
Why It Helps:
✔ Improves listening
✔ Encourages full-body movement
✔ Easy to adjust intensity
Let Go of the “Shoulds”
The week before Christmas doesn’t need:
Perfect routines
Extra practices
Performance goals
What kids need most is:
Connection
Play
Movement
Permission to just be kids
