Happy Winter Break! Two weeks off school— yay! I’m excited for the downtime, but also want to make the most of it: creating family memories while keeping our household calm and happy.
I’ve organized my tips for families who are traveling, staying home, or planning future adventures—so you can start the new year enjoying these moments with limited stress or overstimulation.
Winter Break 2025 - ATL Staycation Style
Flying with a Baby This Winter? Don’t Miss These Tips
Flight Amsterdam to Atlanta
We’ve flown a lot with babies, and a few small strategies make a huge difference in the airport experience:
Stroller + baby carrier combo:
Walk through the airport with a travel stroller for a back break.
Board with baby in the carrier and fold/stow the stroller.
Keep baby in the carrier while you are in the plane - to keep your hands-free!
Once landed, baby goes back in the stroller—keeps your back happy!
Use family lines for security and boarding:
Many airports have family lanes for TSA and airlines often allow early boarding.
Ask about policies—you deserve the perks!
If you booked an infant in lap seat, ask the airline if there are any seats with an open seat next to them (I always feel awkward, but doesn’t hurt to ask!) Also check out my post on booking seats for babies.
Diaper changes: plan ahead: As a germ-averse, slightly claustrophobic parent, airplane bathroom diaper changes are my nightmare… but travel with babies means powering through and doing hard things anyway.
Airplane bathrooms usually have fold-down changing tables.
Pack a small diaper pouch for quick access.
Avoid changing at your seat for hygiene and comfort reasons.
Formula, Pumped Milk, and Whole Milk through TSA:
Allowed through TSA in amounts over 3.4 oz—even without your baby.
Let TSA know before screening; liquids are checked separately.
Ice packs/gel packs are allowed to keep milk cold.
Tip: For older babies who drink whole milk, plan to buy it before boarding.
As a breastfeeding mom, they usually allow me to take on water bottles (hydration for nursing moms matters!)
For more on our lessons learned from taking dozens of flights with our littles, here is my guide on flying with littles.
Staying Home This Break? Easy Ideas for Activities for Kids during Winter Break
We’re planning a few day trips from Atlanta this winter break, but with a 4-month-old and a 2-year-old at home, my husband and I will rotate taking the older two kids (6 and 4) for activities. This year, we’re treating it like a “staycation,” with fun, low-stress surprises to make the break special—even without a big trip.
To get the kids excited, I made baskets of items to celebrate winter break. I pulled together a mix of items we already have, plus a few new, budget-friendly finds from TJ Maxx, Target, and the Dollar Store, to surprise the kids on their last day of school. Here’s what’s on our list (I’ll link Amazon alternatives for convenience):
Surprise set-up for the kids on the first day of winter break
Open-ended creative play:
Arts & crafts, sticker books, blank sketchbooks, painting projects, and Gingerbread House Making —perfect to stimulate their creativity.
Reading essentials:
YOTO Audible Reader and card stories for the older kids, TONIE Audible Reader for the toddler, plus cozy kids chairs, blankets, and plenty of books for quiet, reading time.
Digital Family Conversation Cards:
We love our Traveling with Tots Family Conversation Cards for car rides or mealtimes. The kids get so creative answering the prompts, and it’s a fun way to connect as a family.
Board games:
Amazon Kids Tablets:
Extra screen time, but intentional: Our go-to apps on our Amazon Kids Tablets include Khan Academy Kids, chess, and slower-paced shows. Read my guide on our favorite kid-friendly shows that don’t overstimulate, which has been a game changer for our kids.
Special activities & digital cameras:
Let the kids document holiday outings with their digital cameras! From Christmas markets and ice skating to baking with grandmothers or picking the family dinner menu, they will get to capture memories to keep forever.
Family Travel Planning 101
Giza, Egypt
Dreaming of family adventures in 2026? We've taken our littles to 30+ countries—from sandy beaches to snowy mountains—and learned how to turn chaos into forever memories (think snack hacks, meltdown-proof packing, and kiddo-approved itineraries that actually work).
I poured all those trial-and-error lessons into this FREE e-book to help you plan trips you'll love, not just survive. Grab it now and kick off your New Year's resolutions with travel dreams that can be achieved! Access Here.
We’re working on something fun—a Family Bucket List Travel Planner! Think of it as your go-to tool for planning unforgettable family adventures. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the launch (and all the travel fun)!
Digital Kids Habit Tracker & Rewards Chart
Spending so much time together can be joyful… and overwhelming! Our habit tracker and reward chart has been a game-changer in managing our chaos.
Track important habits
Keep kids on track and home life running smoothly
Rewards motivate the kids and make evenings a fun family ritual (whether you are at home or traveling!)
Tried it? We’d love your feedback!
Check it out here →
Little Tots, Big Habits - Kids Habit Tracker & Rewards Chart
Transform busy days into calm, consistent routines with this kid-friendly habit tracker and rewards chart. Parents can set custom habits for each child, kids earn stars as they complete them, and t...
Follow along on Instagram for daily tips, real-life stories, and how we manage the chaos (and fun!) of family travel.
Happy Travels!
— Shaina
