The holidays are often described as magical, exciting, the most wonderful time of the year. But, they can come with a shift in regulation.
Busy schedules.
Loud environments.
Social pressure.
Disrupted routines.
Emotional undercurrents.
Even joyful events can overload a child’s nervous system.
From a Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) perspective, protecting a child’s nervous system during the holidays isn’t about controlling behavior. The goal is about creating safety, rhythm, and connection.
Understanding the Child’s Nervous System
A child’s nervous system is constantly scanning for safety or threat.
When the nervous system feels safe, children:
- Play
- Connect
- Learn
- Regulate emotions
When it feels overwhelmed, children:
- Melt down
- Withdraw
- Become irritable
- Seek control
- Regress
The holidays can often unintentionally push children into survival mode.
Why the Holidays Are Hard on Nervous Systems
Holiday stressors include:
- Irregular sleep schedules
- Increased sensory input
- Crowded gatherings
- Emotional expectations
- Transitions between homes
- Family tension
- Loss or grief
The stimulation of the holiday season can lead to stimulation of the nervous system.
Signs Your Child’s Nervous System Is Overloaded
- Frequent meltdowns
- Clinginess
- Refusal to attend events
- Irritability or defiance
- Shutdown or withdrawal
- Somatic complaints (stomachaches, headaches)
- Difficulty sleeping
These are all signals of a nervous system seeking regulation.
How CCPT Supports Nervous System Regulation
1. Safety Comes First
In CCPT, the child experiences unconditional acceptance. Safety is the foundation of regulation.
2. The Child Leads
When children control the play, their nervous system relaxes.
3. Emotional Expression Is Allowed
No pressure to “be good,” “be grateful,” or “be happy.”
4. Regulation Happens Through Relationship
The therapist’s attunement models calm, containment, and emotional steadiness.
How You Can Protect Their Child’s Nervous System During the Holidays
1. Preserve Predictability
Keep bedtime rituals, morning routines, and familiar anchors.
2. Build in Recovery Time
Rest can help shift the nervous system back to regulation.
3. Reduce Performance Pressure
Children don’t owe anyone hugs, smiles, or compliance.
4. Respect Sensory Limits
Shorter gatherings, quiet breaks, or stepping outside can help immensely. 5. Use Regulation-Focused Language
Try:
- “That was a lot.”
- “Your body needs a break.”
- “I’m here with you.”
6. Offer Daily Child-Led Play
Even 10 minutes of uninterrupted, child-led play can reset the nervous system.
When to Consider Play Therapy During the Holidays
Play therapy can be especially helpful if your child:
- Dreads holiday events
- Experiences intense emotional reactions
- Struggles with transitions
- Carries grief or family stress
- Feels overwhelmed long after events end
Support shows that you are listening and want to help your child grow in resilience.
The greatest holiday gift you can give your child is not an experience, tradition, or toy, but presence that is grounded.
When a child’s nervous system feels protected, joy becomes possible again.
Through play, presence, and gentle attunement, children can navigate the holidays with resilience and carry that regulation into the year ahead.
With play and presence,
Lauren Walter | Play Therapist
Supervised by Sheila D. Thompson, LPC-S, RPT-S
