The Gift of Everyday Moments: Encouraging Growth During the Holidays
The holiday season brings excitement, tradition, and a break from the usual routines, but it can also bring a mix of emotions for families with young children. Between festive gatherings, travel plans, and new experiences, little ones may feel stress or overstimulation. It’s easy to forget that some of the most meaningful learning happens in the smallest, quietest moments.
We want to remind families that growth doesn’t happen only during structured learning or therapy sessions; it happens in the everyday experiences of connection, comfort, and play. Whether you’re baking cookies, singing along to holiday songs, or cuddling up to read a story, these moments help your child build communication, confidence, and emotional awareness.
Everyday Activities That Encourage Development
You don’t need fancy toys or special lessons to help your child grow. The holidays naturally offer countless opportunities to practice early development skills through play and family traditions.
Singing and Music: Holiday tunes are a fun way to practice rhythm, repetition, and early language skills.
Baking Together: Measuring, mixing, and naming ingredients builds fine motor and vocabulary skills.
Decorating the Tree or Home: Encourage your child to choose ornaments, describe colors, and practice coordination.
Giving and Sharing: Let toddlers help wrap gifts or pass out treats to family and friends to build social skills.
Quiet Moments: Reading favorite stories or taking a walk to look at lights helps little ones wind down and process new experiences.
Keeping the Holidays Manageable with Little Ones
It’s easy to feel pressure to make the holidays “perfect,” but children, especially toddlers, thrive on routine and predictability. Try to keep consistent nap times, meal schedules, and downtime, even during the festivities. If your child becomes overwhelmed, it’s okay to take breaks or simplify plans. Focusing on connection over perfection helps everyone enjoy the season more fully.
Remember, it’s okay to simplify. Focusing on connection instead of perfection allows families to be more present and reduces stress for everyone. The goal isn’t to do everything, it’s to enjoy time together and create moments of meaning.
Noticing Development Through Everyday Moments
As you enjoy the holidays, you might notice new skills emerging — a word said more clearly, a steadier step, or more curiosity during play. These moments are wonderful signs of growth. But if you’re unsure whether your child is meeting milestones or seems to be developing a little differently, you’re not alone. That’s where Early Intervention can help.
Could My Child Qualify for Early Intervention?
If your child is missing developmental milestones, struggles with transitions, or seems delayed in areas like speech or motor skills, Early Intervention may help. Our free, in-home program supports children from birth to age three through play-based learning tailored to their needs.
Services are tailored to your child’s unique needs and built into everyday routines like playtime, meals, and diaper changes.
Wrapping Up the Year with Gratitude
As the year comes to a close, take time to notice and celebrate progress, both big and small. Maybe your child said a new word, tried a new food, or learned to put on their coat. These are the little victories that add up to lifelong growth.
This holiday season, remember that your love, attention, and encouragement are the greatest gifts your child could ever receive. Every laugh, cuddle, and conversation helps them learn more about the world.
From all of us at Encompass Family Support Services, we wish you a season filled with warmth, connection, and meaningful moments of growth.
