December Newsletter 2025

Teri Ann Cox
Executive Director of The Children’s Center

Dear Center Families,

The month of December is always a magical one when children are involved. With each day that passes, the excitement will build here in our classrooms, especially for those who believe in Santa Claus!

In addition to the magic, things get busy as the holidays approach and can be stressful for all of us. Emotions can run high and trickle down to our children. If we are stressed, they are stressed. As we know from the Pyramid Model, letting children see and feel emotions is very important. Giving them time and a calm space to take a break is also essential when they feel overwhelmed (with sensory overload?), pressured with high expectations (to be on their best behavior?), or perhaps distressed (by family loss or financial difficulties). Letting children know it’s okay to take breaks and teaching them calming techniques like “breathing like Santa,“ are wonderful life skills* for them to learn at a young age.

We also know that routines are pivotal in helping children stay in check with their emotions and accomplishing daily tasks. Maintaining consistent mealtimes and bedtimes provides a sense of security amidst the chaos. Yet, holidays are about togetherness and activities, so on those days when you go “off schedule” don’t forget visual charts or calendars can help children know what to expect. Mapping out what you will be doing, when, where, for how long, and with whom, helps many children navigate all the holiday family visits and events that typically occur.

However you celebrate the holiday season, I wish you and those you love - balanced, regulated emotions, as well as an extra measure of magic and joy!

With kind regards,

Teri Ann

* How to do the “Santa breath”: 1. Take a big, deep breath through your nose (as you inhale, imagine your belly getting big and full, like Santa’s), 2. Breathe out through your mouth while saying three long “ho,” “ho,” ho”s. Repeat (as often as needed)!