It may seem counterintuitive, given how packed most families' schedules are for the last few months of the year, but the holiday season presents the perfect time for loved ones to take a load off and just chill. During that quiet time between Christmas and New Year's especially, it's an opportunity to enjoy impromptu activities that are the opposite of coordinated, absolutely not orchestrated. That could look like a family walk in the park, building snowmen and then drinking hot cocoa, heading to the Christmas market to try all the sweets, looking up fun new crafts to try on Pinterest, and spending an afternoon making new ornaments or baking cookies.
At the same time, the season promises to be filled with parties and school activities galore for kids. From dances to recitals to, depending on how old the kids are, other end-of-semester milestones, like choir or theater performances, plenty of fun and accomplishment must be checked off the list before winter break. Even little ones who attend preschool often have holiday concerts to prepare for and star in. Parents find themselves shuttling their kiddos from one of these big moments to the next, while also juggling family parties, dinners with loved ones, prepping for Christmas Eve or Christmas dinner, and possibly planning a family New Year's Eve spent in or out.
With this flurry of holiday activity, coming up with wardrobe and styling choices for performances and parties can end up feeling like just one more thing that's going to take a whole lot of time and energy. Fortunately, there are plenty of super-quick, easy, and festive hairstyles that anyone can do on their kiddo. Here are 20 pretty holiday hairstyles both parents and kids will love.
Quick & Easy Buns
These cute, simple double braided buns from One Creative Mommy is extra holiday cheerful, thanks to small ornaments attached.
Christmas Tree Braid
Your LO will look and feel super festive with this Christmas tree braid from Babes in Hairland.
Easy Rudolph Bun
Follow the tutorial from Hip2Save for this cute Rudolph-themed bun.
Wreath-Inspired Braid Updo
In a photo tutorial, Redpunzel breaks down how to do this wreath-inspired updo.
Holly Berry & Evergreen Braid
This voluminous braid from Mayvenn Hair gets a Christmas vibe from a couple pretty of details: holly berries and pine sprigs.
Christmas Tree Loop Braid
This Christmas tree loop braid from Babes in Hairland is truly eye-catching.
Snowflake Ponytail
This tutorial from Princess Hairstyles shows you how to get a Frozen-inspired ponytail.
Christmas Bun With Elastics
Believe it or not, no complicated braiding is required for this pretty bun from Princess Hairstyles.
Fluffy Faux Fishtail Braids
This look with fluffy faux fishtail braids from Cute Girls Hairstyles so easy and cute for the holidays.
Cute, Elegant Braided Look
Follow this tutorial from Hey Kayli for a sweet braided look.
3-Way Fishtail
This three-way fishtail braid from Kassinka will look beautiful on your LO's long hair at any holiday party.
Holiday Twisted Updo
This holiday twisted updo from Cute Girls Hairstyles works beautifully on medium or long hair.
Dutch Halo Braid
This Dutch halo braid from Missy Sue makes a pretty half-up look for girls.
Faux Waterfall Braid
This quick and easy faux waterfall braid from Cute Girls Hairstyles is a great one in a pinch, as it takes as little as two minutes.
Pull Through Braid With Bright Elastics
Using festive colored elastics would make this pull through braid with bright elastics from Little Girl Hair especially merry.
Low Updo
This low-stress low updo from the Today Show looks festive but won't take too much time — or cause anguish — at all!
Scissor Waterfall Braid with Ribbon
This scissor waterfall braid with ribbon from Little Girl Hair is a pretty look for New Year's Eve.
Triple Top Knot
This triple top knot from Cute Girls Hairstyles is perfect for any special occasion.
Braided Flower Crown
This braided flower crown from Kassinka is a romantic style that could work throughout the holiday season.
Holiday Halo Braid
This holiday halo braid from Ingrid Nilsen is perfect for shorter hair.