Holiday Health Tips for Kids and Parents

The stretch from Christmas through New Year’s is basically a greatest-hits album of germs + sugar + late bedtimes + crowded events. If your kid catches something, you didn’t “fail.” Winter is prime time for respiratory viruses and stomach bugs—especially with school, parties, travel, and family gatherings stacked back-to-back.

The goal isn’t to live in a bubble. It’s to lower your risk, spot problems early, and know when to reach out. Here are practical, real-life tips that actually work.

1) The Holiday Health Basics

Keep vaccines up to date

If your child is eligible, staying current on recommended vaccines (including the seasonal flu vaccine) is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of serious illness.

Handwashing beats “good intentions”

Soap and water before eating and after bathrooms, parties, playdates, and public outings. Make it automatic:

• After you get home

• Before snacks/meals

• After wiping noses

• After touching shared surfaces (rails, door handles, shopping carts, arcade games)

Tip: If you’ve got little kids, sing one chorus of a song while washing—long enough to actually work.

Don’t share the “germ pipeline”

At gatherings, try to avoid sharing:

• Drinks, cups, straws

• Forks/spoons

• Lip balm

• Towels/blankets used by multiple kids

Is it always possible? No. Is it worth trying? Yep.

2) Big gatherings and public events: enjoy them without bringing home souvenirs

Holiday parties and public events are where the germs really get their social life together.

Smart moves

• Choose off-peak times when possible (earlier in the day, less packed).

• Give your child breaks from close-contact chaos—step outside for 5 minutes.

• Pick your seating: a little distance from the highest-traffic spots helps (buffet lines, crowded entryways).

• If someone’s sick, keep some space or skip it. It’s not rude. It’s mature.

If you have a newborn, young infant, or a child with health conditions—be extra cautious about close contact and the “pass the baby” tradition.

3) Stomach bug season: sanitizer isn’t the hero here

Winter isn’t just colds and coughs—it’s also peak season for vomiting/diarrhea viruses.

If a stomach bug hits your house

• Prioritize handwashing with soap and water (especially after bathroom trips and before food).

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces (bathroom handles, light switches, phones, remotes).

• Don’t share towels.

• Keep sick kids home until symptoms are improving.

Hydration is the main treatment

Small sips, often. If your child is vomiting, try tiny amounts frequently instead of big drinks all at once.

4) Food + leftovers: keep the holiday delicious, not dangerous

Foodborne illness can mimic a “stomach bug” and it loves holiday buffets.

Easy rules to remember

• Don’t leave perishable food out longer than 2 hours.

• Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

• Reheat leftovers thoroughly (aim for 165°F).

And yes, this includes “it was out all afternoon but it’s fine because it’s winter.” Your kitchen is still warm.

5) Sleep and routines: the secret weapon nobody brags about

When schedules fall apart, kids get run down. That doesn’t “cause” viruses, but it absolutely lowers your family’s resilience.

Mini-goals that help

• Keep bedtime within 60–90 minutes of normal on most nights.

• Aim for one “reset day” each week: earlier bedtime, normal meals, and downtime.

• Balance sweets with protein/fiber and hydration (especially if your child gets tummy aches or constipation).

  
  

6) Travel tips (so you don’t spend New Year’s in urgent care)

Before you travel, pack a small “parent kit”:

• Thermometer

• Fever reducer (as appropriate for your child)

• Oral rehydration solution packets

• Tissues

• A couple kid-friendly snacks (because hunger makes symptoms feel worse)

• Any daily prescriptions

And the underrated move: keep a water bottle accessible. Dehydration sneaks up fast when you’re busy.

7) When to call Hall Pediatrics (and when it’s urgent)

You never have to “wait and see” alone. Reach out if you’re worried—especially during the holidays when things can change quickly.

Call us if your child has:

• Trouble breathing, wheezing, ribs pulling in, fast breathing, or lips/face turning blue/gray

• Dehydration signs, like very dry mouth, no tears, much less urination/wet diapers, or unusual sleepiness

• Fever plus severe symptoms like stiff neck, severe headache, severe pain, unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting/diarrhea

• Symptoms that improve and then suddenly get worse

• A baby/young infant with fever (age matters—call for guidance)

If you’re truly unsure and your gut says “this isn’t normal,” trust that instinct and reach out.

8) Telehealth can save your holiday (seriously)

If you’re thinking:

• “Is this a cold or the flu?”

• “Is this pink eye?”

• “Do we need urgent care or can we manage this at home?”

A quick telehealth visit can help you:

• figure out next steps,

• get a treatment plan,

• decide if an in-person visit is needed,

• avoid dragging a sick kid across town unnecessarily.

Final word

The holidays are supposed to be fun—not a cycle of sickness, worry, and missed plans. Use the tips above, do what you can (not perfection), and if something feels off, Hall Pediatrics is here to help—including through telehealth during this busy season.