Christmas is a very exciting time of year for children, what with the promise of Father Christmas' visit, two whole weeks off school and hopefully some fun festive activities.

But some children (and adults!) can understandably find this overwhelming. The changes to routines, the busyness, the influx of new toys and all the chocolate and sweets can be a real challenge.

So we've put together a list of ideas to help children to regulate their emotions, either independently or as a family. 

Wishing you a peaceful and happy Christmas holidays!

GET CREATIVE

• Make a Christmas card for a friend or family member
• Use paint or pencils to create a winter scene
• Listen to your favourite Christmas song
• Write an alphabet list of Christmas things
• Have a dance to some Christmas music. Click here for some music
• Do some baking - see below for star biscuits, gingerbread people and some no-cook recipes
• Do a calm activity that uses your brain like a wordsearch or a puzzle or a game
• Put on some calm Christmas music and do some Christmas colouring. Click here for music

GET OUTSIDE

• Wrap up warm and go for a sound walk in nature - what wintry sounds can you hear?
• Collect natural materials and make some Christmas art on the ground
• Kick or throw a ball around in a garden or park
• Go on a colour walk - can you spot every colour of the rainbow?
• Check out this booklet from the Wildlife Trusts which is full of things to do outside in the winter

REFLECT

• Write three things that make you happy at Christmas
• Sit comfortably, close your eyes, breathe deeply and think of five things that you're grateful for this Christmas
• Make a senses box full of smells and textures that remind you of Christmas

THINK OF OTHERS

• Ask an adult if there's anything you can do to help
• Do something kind for someone else
• Say thank you 
• Make a bird feeder or put water out for the birds, especially when its icy

GET HELP

• Talk to a trusted adult if you are finding things hard
• Think about what zone you are in and what is in your toolbox for coping with the feeling you're having
• If you need to talk to someone else, the number for Childline is 0800 1111