How to Overcome the Holiday Highs and Lows With Children

Do holiday social events feel overwhelming for you as well? The noise, the crowd, the tension, the endless to-do list—it’s a lot. And guess what? Your kids feel it too. 

The good news is, you can help them thrive through it all.

Holiday gatherings can easily overstimulate your child’s nervous system. Maybe they become hyperactive, buzzing around like little bees, or perhaps they retreat, curling into a quiet bubble. Both responses are normal—but not necessarily ideal. With a little awareness and playfulness, you can guide your child back to a calm, regulated state where they feel relaxed, open, and ready to engage.

What Can You Do?

Here are some simple strategies to try at your next family gathering:

For the Overactive Buzzers

If your child is bouncing off the walls, you can take a break and get moving! 

• Step outside for a quick 10-minute scavenger hunt and challenge them with fun prompts such as: “Who can find the snowman lights first?” or “I bet you can’t make it to the tree faster than me!”

• Turn it into a jumping competition or another physical activity to burn off that extra energy.

After the hunt or jumping competition is over and the kids become more regulated, you can join back into the party.

For the Quiet Retreaters

If your child is shutting down you can offer connection and comfort. Sit with them in a quiet space and engage in a calming activity:

• Draw or play a quiet game together.

• Try a “smelling tour” to explore different scents around the house. This doubles as a breathing exercise!

• Start a small game of “I Spy” to gently draw them out of their bubble.

These playful tools don’t just work for the holidays—they’re a year-round parenting hack!

All the bests,

Luna