The Day After Christmas: Why January is Your Reset Button
As we move from the chaos of Christmas into January, the summer break's demands can feel bigger than ever: overstimulated kids, sugar crashes, endless screentime, and the general buzz of too much, too fast, too loud.
For kids, the weeks leading up to Christmas are filled with excitement, late nights, disrupted routines, and constant stimulation. By Boxing Day, they're often wound up, melting down over small things, and struggling to regulate their emotions.
But here's the good news: unstructured play in nature is one of the most effective ways for kids to reset, release tension, and return to themselves after the Christmas chaos.
Why Post-Christmas Can Be Hard for Kids
Like us, children feel the overstimulation of the festive season: the presents, the visitors, the sugar, the late nights, the break from routine. Unlike adults, though, they don't always have the words to express their feelings or the tools to regulate themselves.
Their behavior acts as a visible sign of an underlying, unmet need. Think of it like an iceberg, where behavior is the visible tip, while emotions, thoughts, values, and needs lie beneath the surface.
When kids seem moody, clingy, or dysregulated after Christmas, they often need a way to process everything and release the pent-up energy and emotion. Unstructured movement and play outdoors is one of the most effective ways to support this reset.
What Nature Play Actually Does
Unstructured movement allows children to follow their instincts, freely moving their bodies to release tension and regulate their nervous systems. Nature play is especially effective because it lets kids engage with their surroundings and tune into their senses.
Spending time in nature reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), improves mood and emotional regulation, supports healthy sleep, and resets overstimulated nervous systems. It also helps children reconnect with their bodies after days of sitting inside.
The January Reset
Build in a daily nature break during January. Head to a local park, beach, or nature reserve and allow for at least 30 minutes of free, unstructured movement. This could mean running, climbing, creek play, or simply exploring.
Let kids take the lead. Let them decide what they want to do. Child-led play helps kids become more resilient, improves problem-solving skills, and offers an outlet for self-expression after weeks of adult-directed Christmas activities.
Focus on connection. Instead of correcting behavior when children seem dysregulated, engage them by asking what they discovered or showing interest in their play. This helps them feel safe and valued.
That's it. Simple, daily, unstructured time in nature.
If Your Child Is Struggling
If your child's behavior is challenging after Christmas, remember: it's likely a sign of an unmet need for regulation, rest, or release.
Give them space in nature for big energy and strong emotions. Be present with a calm presence. Let them shake off the Christmas overstimulation in their own way, in their own time.
And if you're feeling worn thin too? Take a breath. You're not alone in finding post-Christmas parenting exhausting.
We're Here to Help 💚
January School Holiday Programs
Give your child the space to reset. Our programs offer unstructured play, nature connection, and the freedom to just be kids again after the Christmas chaos.
From raft building to bushcraft, Minecraft Off Grid to survival skills with Rick, we create the space for kids to return to themselves.
Half-day and full-day options available across Brisbane & Sunshine Coast.