Let’s be honest: Going away for the December holidays with toddlers can sometimes feel less like a break and more like trying to decorate a Christmas tree during a hurricane. They’re adorable, chaotic, and capable of pushing us to the edge, and between the heat, hours spent in the car, and those relatives who insist your two-year-old ‘just needs more discipline,’ it can be hard to keep your sense of humour.
But it doesn’t have to be a survival mission. Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts (and a parent who’s lived through his share of toddler holiday meltdowns), puts it simply: “Toddlers have a unique kind of energy – unpredictable, mostly delightful and also exhausting. But with a few strategic tweaks and realistic expectations – shaping holidays around them, not adult plans – you’ll set the stage for a getaway that works for your tiny, demanding human – and for you.”
Here are five battle-tested strategies to help you not just survive, but genuinely enjoy December with your toddler:
1. Master the Car Journey
If you’re driving to your holiday destination, try to leave around nap time. Pack a little ‘surprise bag’ with inexpensive new toys – sticker books, mini cars, a magna-doodle, and hand them out at regular intervals to keep them entertained. Download their favourite shows ahead of time and bring plenty of snacks. Plan to stop every two hours on long trips, as a quick run around at a petrol station playground is worth the extra journey time.
2. Survive the Flight
Flying with a toddler? Pack a carry-on with snacks, extra clothes, wipes, and entertainment. Let them burn energy at the airport, then use screens, and a ‘surprise bag’ of goodies to keep them entertained. And if your child does play up, remember you’re doing your best; other passengers with children probably had similar experiences at some other time, too.
3. One Big Activity per Day
A morning at the beach. A visit to the grandparents. Time at the resort pool. Pick one. Just one. That’s it. Toddlers aren’t wired for jam-packed itineraries. They need time to process, play freely, and just be. When you cram in too much, everyone ends up tired and cranky. Let the rest of the day be totally unstructured. A quiet walk, playing, or reading to your child – sometimes the simplest times are the most fulfilling.
4. Routine is Gold
Toddlers are creatures of habit, and when their routine implodes, so does their behaviour. So, despite being on holiday, try to keep mealtimes, nap, and bedtimes reasonably consistent. Even if it means having to leave somewhere a little earlier, it’s worth it. Avoiding a meltdown from an overtired or overstimulated little one preserves the day’s enjoyment.
5. Time to Recharge
December is busy. From buzzing shopping centres and packed attractions to multi-generational family gatherings and festive braais with friends – it’s sensory overload for toddlers. So, if you see the warning signs (whining, clinginess), retreat to a quiet, cool place. Let your child unwind with a favourite book or show, or nap together. A well-rested toddler is a manageable toddler, and well-rested parents are happy parents. Perhaps consider a babysitter for an evening, too, so you can enjoy some adult time.
The bottom line? Joy lives in the messy, magical middle. There will be meltdowns in public places, negotiations, and several times when your patience is sorely tested. But there will also be belly laughs, spontaneous cuddles, and the magic of seeing the world through your tot’s eyes – whether that’s squealing at ocean waves or being intrigued by a Christmas beetle.
As Lamont reminds us: “It’s not about getting it right all the time. Keep things simple, take what works, and remember: your toddler doesn’t need perfect, they just need you. At First Group, we believe holidays should bring families closer to each other, and to what really matters: making magical, lasting memories at every age.”
Find family-friendly accommodation designed with little ones (and their parents) in mind. Visit www.firstgroup-sa.co.za.
