As the holidays approach, I am preparing for the crazy air travel season ahead. I will run frantically through airports, probably forget something at airline security and as I scuttle down plane aisles, I will see the look of fear in the eyes of my fellow passengers as I approach…No, I do not have a communicable skin disease—I just have toddlers.

Yes, tis the season to sherpah carseats, strollers and overtired kids through crowded airport terminals.  And it’s not easy for the kids either. They sit confined in seats facing beige tray-tables for hours, have no comforts of home and in some cases, cope with time-zone changes.

So, here is how I try to stay sane at 30,000 feet:

#1:  I accept that different rules apply in the air.

Sure, every Mom has “ground rules,” but once I’m on a plane, those rules are gone like lost luggage. On the ground, I believe in minimal TV, healthy snacks and positive discipline.  In the air, my kids watch cartoon marathons, I bust out more candy than a bloated piñata, and I appease incessantly with Oreos.  I don’t try to be a “perfect” mom.  I just try to make it through the flight with an occasional moment of grace.

#2:  I beware the tray table.

Does anyone else feel like a plane is a flying germ-factory?  On a plane, I am suddenly acutely aware of germs.  Every sniffle, sneeze, or cough from another passenger makes me want to hold my breath.

And there’s nothing worse than being sick for the holidays, especially with kids. So I become "that crazy lady."  I break out the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes and wipe down our tray tables, armrests & seatbelts. I know I seem insane to many (including my husband), but I’m willing to be “that crazy lady” for a few hours if it means I lessen the chance of my kids being sick for the holidays.

#3:  I accept that I will make Santa Claus look bad.

The holidays come early when I’m on a 747 and St. Nick suddenly looks like a tight-wad as I dole out gifts from a sack of goodies like it’s going out of style. Pre-wrapped distractions--books, Play-Doh, random toys from the Dollar Store—help keep my kids content (and quiet).  I just don’t give anything that rolls.  (I learned that lesson the hard way when I found myself crawling around retrieving bouncy-balls all the way back to California.)

What tips do you have for holiday flights with kids?

Safe travelling, everyone!