Modern Homemakers

The Modern Parenting Guide to Surviving Holiday Traffic with Kids

by Kevyn Gohu
December 11, 2025

Here’s how parents can help their families weather the holiday traffic

Holiday traffic in the Philippines is a character-building experience—one that none of us asked for, but we all must fight anyway. Between mall-wide sales, Christmas parties every night of the week, and the nation’s annual pilgrimage to the nearest parol vendor, the roads turn into a slow-motion telenovela you can’t skip.

And when you’re navigating it with kids in tow? That’s when parenting skill transforms into divine patience, logistical strategy, and—if we’re being honest—a little bit of magic.

But fear not, holiday warrior. With the right preparation, the gridlock doesn’t have to steal your sparkle. Here’s how to stay sane, keep the kids happy, and actually enjoy the journey.

Remember: You Don’t Have to Attend Every Party

While yes, Filipinos love a good party, not all of them are worth it. Some of us don’t have people to drive them, the cars, or the patience to drag their kids through the commute to attend a party. By the time anyone gets there, we’ll be too exhausted or too cranky to even hold a conversation.

Choose the parties wisely. Sure, we might miss out on some stuff, but it’s a lot easier to deal with FOMO than traffic.

Plan Like a Pro (Because Timing Is Everything)

During December in the Philippines, “I’ll leave in 15 minutes” translates to “I’ll arrive next year.” Avoid peak hours (late afternoon to evening), check Waze before stepping out, and try scheduling errands right after lunch when everyone else is napping or stuck in Zoom Christmas parties.

If you can, combine trips. Gift shopping, grocery runs, and drop-offs in one loop mean fewer battles with traffic—and fewer meltdowns from kids.

Pack a “Holiday Traffic Survival Kit”

A bored child is a ticking time bomb, especially when trapped in a vehicle moving at 2 km/h. Arm yourself with a kit that includes:

Snacks (preferably non-sticky, non-crumbly, non-life-ruining)
Refillable water bottles
Wipes and mini alcohol
A small toy or two
A portable charger (you will need this more than oxygen)

This tiny bag buys you peace, silence, and emotional stability.

Turn the Car Into a Holiday Playground

If you’re already stuck, you might as well make it festive. Play holiday playlists, start a Christmas trivia game, or bring out a “window scavenger hunt” (spot a parol, find someone in a Santa hat, count how many trees you see).

These micro-activities keep the mood light and turn “Are we there yet?” into “Wait! I see a giant inflatable reindeer!”

Choose Kid-Friendly Stops Along the Way

If you know you’ll be on the road for more than an hour, consider planned stopovers. Malls with clean restrooms, gas stations with kid-friendly spaces, and cafés with outdoor seating can serve as sanity-saving pit stops.

Breaks give kids a reset—and give you a chance to remember why you love the holidays in the first place.

Protect Your Energy (Because Kids Feel It)

You set the emotional temperature of the car. If you’re stressed, frazzled, and muttering at the SUV that cut you off, your kids will absorb that like a Christmas sponge.

Breathe. Laugh. Put on Michael Bublé (or whatever whoever your festive flavor is this year). Remind yourself that traffic is temporary, but memories are forever. And sometimes, the journey—no matter how slow—is where the best stories happen.

Philippine Holiday Traffic is The Epitome of Carmageddon

It’s been ten years since the last Carmaggedon, and trust us—nobody wants a round two of that.

Unfortunately, it happens every year, worsening with each passing day. The MMDA has even suggested opening up the private subdivisions to ease the traffic. However, doing so comes with a security risk that many of the residents didn’t ask for or pay for. Plus, getting those village stickers is expensive and comes with an annual fee, depending on where we live. Nobody wants to blow four digits on a sticker they’ll probably use only once or twice a year.

This is where some parents may have to take a page from the gamer community: nothing wrong with holding a party online. Just make sure to safeguard the chatrooms with the proper security settings and everyone can still enjoy the holiday cheer without the traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is holiday traffic worse in the Philippines?

Holiday sales, reunions, Christmas markets, and OFW homecomings all contribute to December congestion—plus our shared cultural love for last-minute shopping.