Why Kids Need Movement & Play More Than Ever During the Holidays

Between school breaks, holiday events, travel, and the excitement of the season, the holidays often feel like one big blur of schedules, celebrations, and sugar. As parents and guardians, we naturally want to make the time “magical,” which often leads to planning: craft projects, outings, baking days, festive activities, and everything in between.

But here’s the truth: kids don’t need more structured events during the holidays. They need movement. They need play. They need space. And the holidays are actually one of the best times to give them that.

Movement Isn’t Optional: It’s Fuel for Kids’ Brains and Bodies

Even 10–20 minutes of active play a few times a day helps kids:

• regulate their emotions

• sleep better

• manage stress and excitement

• improve focus and behavior

• stay connected to confidence and creativity

Movement acts like a reset button, especially during a season that can feel overwhelming for children.

And it doesn’t need to look like a workout or a practice.

In fact, during holiday downtime, movement should feel fun, free, and kid-led.

Unstructured Play Is a Gift

With no school, kids actually have more freedom to explore, but only if we allow it.

When kids engage in self-directed movement, they:

• build independence

• develop coordination naturally

• learn problem-solving

• express imagination

• work through emotions

• experience joy in their own way

This type of movement is different from planned sports or events. It’s messy. It’s silly. It’s spontaneous. And children need it now more than ever.

Holiday Energy = Movement Opportunity

Kids have a lot of feelings wrapped up in the holidays: excitement, overstimulation, unpredictability, disrupted routines.

Movement helps them process all of it.

A few ways to invite movement into holiday days:

• Let them run laps at the park before errands

• Turn on a song and have a family dance break

• Go for an after-dinner walk with flashlights

• Create a “movement holiday calendar” with simple daily prompts - See Link Below!

• Play chase, freeze tag, or hide-and-seek in the backyard

• Encourage them to make up their own obstacle course

• Bring a ball, frisbee, or jump rope everywhere

These moments don’t need planning. They just need opportunity.

Movement Helps Kids Enjoy the Season. Not Just Participate in It.

Click for a PDF Download with a Parent Guide Included.

Kids who move feel calmer. They’re more flexible with changes. They transition better.

And they handle late nights, big meals, and family gatherings with more ease.

A child who runs, jumps, plays, and wiggles is a child whose nervous system is recharging all day long helping them stay grounded through the season’s chaos.

Your Holiday Reminder: You Don’t Have to Fill Every Minute

It’s okay if you don’t schedule Pinterest-worthy activities every day.

Your kids won’t remember the perfectly planned craft or the themed snacks nearly as much as they’ll remember:

• the walk where you held their hand

• the silly dance in the kitchen

• the time you let them race you down the driveway

• the snowball fight that ended in giggles

• the afternoon they played outside until the sun went down

Kids need space to move, not pressure to perform.

Give Your Kids the Gift of Movement

This season, try aiming for just three things: fresh air, free play, and family connection. Everything else is a bonus.

You don’t need a schedule. You just need presence and a little room to run.