Keeping Up Appearances with Toddler Twins in Tow: A Survival Guide for Holiday Visits

I love my Twins

By Rebecca James

For many families, road trips are an inevitable part of the holiday season. For those of you in for the long haul, over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house, keeping your two toddlers entertained is top priority. Some parents like to keep a stash of suitable travel toys (i.e., nothing loud, repetitive or anything that emits siren-like sounds) to dole out at various times during the ride. Stephany Gorrell, mom of four-year-old girl twins and a two-year-old son agreed.

"We use a travel bag that is only used for long trips," she said, "that way the toys stay new (to the kids) each time."

When you reach your destination, just toss the toys back into the bag, and you're ready for the return trip.

Other parents don't mind passing the time by handing out small snacks when kids start to get antsy. However, if the mere thought of peanut butter smeared into your car's upholstery or Gummi-Bears hibernating under the seat send you into shock, you might just as well opt for the toy bag.

Singing to or with the kids is another popular way to pass travel time.

If your twins are at the age of recognizing colors, letters and numbers, travel time is sure to fly when you engage them in a rousing game of "Find the Color/letter/number…" or "I Spy."

If your family gatherings tend to be on the large side, remember that the crowd may overwhelm your tiny twins. Most everyone will want to hold and play with the tots, and, chances are they'll get passed around more than the holiday ham. Don't hesitate to be honest with the well-meaning cheek-pinchers, and hang on to the kids until they become accustomed to everyone.


"Sometimes, you really don't have a choice," said Bonnie Pomerantz, mom to two-year-olds Marc and Seth. "I just let 'em hang on me until they warm up to everyone."


It probably won't take long, though, before your dynamic duo is running through the house with the rest of the kids, or begging Uncle Lou for horsey rides.

Nothing catches young children's eyes more at the holidays (other than Santa, himself) than strand upon strand of bright, twinkling lights and other sparkling decorations. If your hosts have decorated their home in a manner that would bring Martha Stewart to tears, there will more than likely be lots of "no-no" areas. It's one thing to declare the tree "off-limits," but what about the Austrian crystal nativity scene on the coffee table? And the antique porcelain angel collection? You may want to compliment your hostess on her unique style of holiday decorating, then politely ask if you could temporarily move these precious pieces to higher ground during your stay. She will more than likely think highly of your thoughtfulness. And you can breathe a little easier knowing that her treasures will be intact for display next year.

Some families incorporate candles as part of their holiday celebrations. Whether for Advent or Hanukkah, be sure that any lit candle is safely out of your toddler's reach, if not only for the children's safety, but also to keep your host's belongings safe.

"One of my girls got hold of a lit candle," Gorrell said, "and dripped wax all over my mother-in-law's carpet."

Gorrell suggests calling your hostess ahead of time with a gentle reminder to move all candles and sharp objects up and out of reach before you arrive."

Moving things out of children's reach is also extremely important in the case of live poinsettia plants and other holiday greenery. Both the leaves and flowers of this popular holiday plant are poisonous. Additionally, all parts of the Christmas Rose are poisonous, as are English Holly berries and Mistletoe berries.

Expect that your twinners will feel tummy rumblings far ahead of the turkey being done. Bringing along a favorite snack or two will keep those little tummies happy. If they, by some stroke of luck, manage to make it to dinnertime, chances are they'll turn their little noses up at some of the dishes that are a little, shall we say… unfamiliar. In that case, packing a couple of pre-packaged snacks, such as Lunchables, or microwaveable meal cups (i.e., spaghetti, ravioli, etc.) will do the trick. It may not be a traditional Christmas dinner, but it will certainly keep the holiday meal "tantrum free."