Christmas is magic… until it isn’t. Big feelings, tired kids, sugar highs, family drama, and festive chaos can turn the “most wonderful time of the year” into a meltdown marathon. In this episode, Justin and Kylie break down how to handle the full spectrum of Christmas emotions — without overreacting, over-parenting, or overcooking yourself into exhaustion. Real stories, practical tools, and realistic expectations… so your day stays joyful, not stressful.

KEY POINTS

• Why emotional regulation is harder for kids (and adults!) at Christmas
• The real takeaway from the Marshmallow Experiment
• The biggest mistake parents make: becoming “at-home therapists”
• Why letting emotions settle works better than talking them down
• The glitter-jar brain: a simple metaphor to help kids reset
• How to use fantasy (“Wouldn’t it be great if…”) to soothe disappointment
• Why low expectations equal high connection
• How to stop family tension — especially when alcohol is involved
• When to step in… and when to step back

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Big emotions on Christmas Day aren’t a failure — they’re developmentally normal. Give them time to settle, and most storms blow over in minutes.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Set kids up for success: Protect sleep, reduce overstimulation, keep routines light.
2. Stay calm: Emotions are contagious — yours sets the tone.
3. Pause, don’t fix: Give time for emotions to settle before intervening.
4. Use fantasy to empathise: “Wouldn’t it be amazing if…?”
5. Keep expectations low and flexibility high: Simplicity makes the day better.
6. Be mindful of adult emotions + alcohol: Redirect early, protect kids’ psychological safety.

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