Holiday Overstimulation

The holiday season is full of cozy sensory moments—twinkle lights, warm drinks, fuzzy blankets, festive music, and delicious smells. But for many kids (and adults), that same sensory richness can tip quickly into overload. Add in the near-constant socializing, disrupted routines, and higher expectations, and even the most joyful celebrations can become overwhelming.

Overstimulation often shows up as irritability, meltdowns, acting out, clinginess, hyperactivity, or wanting to withdraw. None of this means anyone is “being difficult." It's simply the nervous system hitting its limit. With a little planning, you can help your family find steadiness again.

Take breaks

Just like muscles need rest between reps, the nervous system needs downtime between busy moments. Build in small pauses throughout the day: a short walk outside, a few minutes in a quiet room, a quick breather before transitioning to the next activity. Kids often need more breaks than we expect.

Focus on calming sensory input

If everything feels “too much,” try adding a sensory opposite. Slow, predictable sensations help the body reset—think soft lighting, deep pressure (like a weighted blanket or firm hugs, if welcomed), rocking, warm baths, or cozy textures. Calming smells like lavender or peppermint can help ground the senses, too.

Consider noise-reducing headphones

Holiday environments are loud, with music, chatter, clinking dishes, toys, and general bustle filling the home. Noise-reducing headphones or even simple earplugs can give the brain a much-needed buffer. Many kids regulate far better when sound is softened.

Minimize overlapping noises and visual clutter

If your home or gathering gets loud quickly, reduce layers of sensory input where possible. Pause the music during conversations, dim bright lights, spread people into different rooms, or simplify the visual environment. Small adjustments can dramatically lower overwhelm.

Create predictable “sensory anchors”

Kids do best when there’s something familiar to return to. This could be a quiet corner with cozy items, a simple routine you keep consistent each day, or a grounding activity like reading, coloring, or stretching. Predictability helps the nervous system feel safe.

Reset the body

Movement is one of the fastest ways to regulate. Jumping, crawling games, a few minutes outside, or a quick dance break can help release built-up energy and settle the body. Deep pressure can help calm the nervous system as well by using a weighted blanket, wrapping up tight in a regular blanket, receiving a hug or giving the self a tight squeeze. Breathing games like blowing bubbles, pretending to "smell the cookies and blow out the candles," or counting in for 4 and out for 8, also signal calm to an overstimulated brain.

Overstimulation is not misbehavior; it's a normal reaction of the nervous system to a lot of input. If you or your child hit a wall this season, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It means you’re human. By noticing the signs early and offering supportive sensory breaks, you can help your family move through the holidays with more calm, connection, and presence.

nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3®

Primary Benefits of nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3®*:

• Provides complete antioxidant protection

• Combats free radicals

• Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels

• Helps promote/support cardiovascular health

• Helps maintain joint flexibility

• Helps reduce mild menstrual cramping and abdominal pain

• Helps support visual health/visual acuity

• Promotes/Supports healthy nitric oxide levels

• Supports a healthy complexion

• Supports healthy blood glucose levels

• Supports healthy platelet activity

• Promotes sinus comfort  

Click below to order products:

Click Here!

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.