The Snowman’s Guide to Staying Cool - Helping Children Stay Cool, Calm and Collected During the Festive Season

Holidays can be magical but they can also bring sensory overload, disrupted routines, and big emotions. The Snowman’s Guide to Staying Cool is a playful yet practical one-page resource designed to help children recognise and regulate their emotions during the holiday season. Perfect for home, classrooms or therapy settings, this resource uses a fun snowman theme to guide kids through calming techniques and self-regulation activities.

About This Resource

This festive resource invites children to step into the snowman’s shoes (or boots!) and learn how to stay "cool" and avoid Christmas meltdowns. Through imaginative prompts and calming exercises, children are encouraged to manage meltdowns in a way that feels approachable and fun. Whether it’s taking deep breaths, grounding themselves, or identifying their feelings, this resource transforms emotional regulation into an engaging holiday activity.

Features

• A snowman-themed printable with calming strategies tailored for children.
• Easy-to-follow steps for recognising and handling big emotions.
• Activities like breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and mindful doodling.
• A festive design to captivate children and encourage participation.
• Suitable for one-on-one use, group settings or independent practice.

Benefits

• Helps children identify and manage their emotions in high-stress holiday situations.
• Encourages emotional literacy and self-awareness.
• Provides a fun and festive way to teach coping techniques.
• Supports caregivers, educators, and therapists with a quick, effective tool for emotional regulation.
• Builds resilience and confidence in children, even during overwhelming moments.

Why Do Children Have More Meltdowns During the Holidays?

The holiday season is packed with changes—extra noise, crowded spaces, and disrupted routines can overwhelm children. With excitement comes overstimulation, and feelings like frustration or anxiety can quickly bubble over into meltdowns. By giving children tools to handle these emotions, The Snowman’s Guide to Staying Cool offers a proactive approach to keeping their holiday experience magical and peaceful.

Tips for Handling Festive Meltdowns

1. Pause and Breathe: Take a moment to reset before addressing the situation.
2. Create a Calm Zone: Designate a quiet, cosy space where children can decompress.
3. Stick to Routines: Maintain consistent meal and bedtime schedules whenever possible.
4. Validate Feelings: Acknowledge children’s emotions without judgment.
5. Use Visual Aids: Resources like this one can help children focus on actionable steps.

Ideas for Use

• At Home: Keep a copy on the fridge or a calm-down corner for quick access during challenging moments.
• In the Classroom: Use it as part of a group discussion about managing emotions during the holidays.
• In Therapy: Introduce the snowman theme to help children process holiday-related stress.
• On the Go: Pack it for car rides or visits to busy holiday events to help with overstimulation.

The Snowman’s Guide to Staying Cool is more than just a festive printable, it’s a tool for empowering children to navigate holiday overstimulation with confidence and calm. By blending creativity, mindfulness and emotional regulation, this resource makes handling big feelings a little easier during the holidays.

Download The Snowman’s Guide to Staying Cool today and help your children stay calm, confident and collected Christmas.