Regardless of their age, all children may need help maintaining realistic expectations about what they will receive. Remember the temperamental style of the child. Children reveal their own particular temperament from birth onward. They are often consistently more shy, active, or easy going. Holiday time and present opening can throw these styles into overdrive, with children of different temperaments coping with and approaching the fuss and festivities in individual ways.
Some children become overwhelmed by too much stimulation.
Halfway through a pile of gifts they may break into tears just when their parents expect smiles. Moving on to another activity or spacing out the gift giving times may help modulate the stress. Other children may become fussy and short-tempered as Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa approach. Some children become uncomfortable with the change in routine while others can be worried about how their behavior will be judged, thinking they are to be rewarded or punished at the holiday. A surprise treat given before the holiday can help an anxious child wait.