Soothing Seasonal Stress: Sensory Strategies to Help Kids (and Adults) Stay Calm Through the Holidays

The holidays are filled with excitement — bright lights, special gatherings, and joyful traditions. But for many families, this season can also bring heightened stress. The change in routines, sensory overload, and busy schedules can be overwhelming for both children and adults, especially those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences.

The good news? A few thoughtful adjustments can go a long way toward creating calmer, more enjoyable days. With sensory-friendly tools and mindful planning, it’s possible to balance the energy of the holidays with moments of rest and regulation.

Understanding Sensory Stress

Sensory stress happens when our brains take in more information than they can comfortably handle — too much light, sound, touch, or change. What feels festive to one person might feel chaotic to another.

Children may show signs of sensory overload by covering their ears or eyes, withdrawing from activities, or becoming irritable and fatigued. Recognizing these cues early allows parents, educators, and caregivers to help before stress builds up.

Here are a few simple ways to reduce sensory stress and create calm this season:

1. Create a Comforting Environment

Environment plays a huge role in stress regulation. Having a quiet, sensory-friendly space where a child can decompress is invaluable during the holidays. Lighting, texture, and visual cues all help signal safety and calm.

Soft lighting is one of the easiest ways to transform a space. The Moonlight Illuminated Blanket offers both a gentle glow and comforting weight — ideal for quiet time or bedtime routines. Another wonderful option is the Galaxy Globe Light, which projects soothing patterns of color that can hold focus and ease anxiety.

Together, these tools can help reduce overstimulation and create a cozy, peaceful retreat when things get too busy.

2. Encourage Mindful Movement

Sometimes, the best way to release stress is through movement. Physical activity helps regulate the nervous system and provides proprioceptive and vestibular input — both essential for balance and emotional stability.

When things start to feel tense or restless, try integrating a few minutes of movement throughout the day. The Mighty Wood Balance Board encourages gentle rocking and balance, while the Bouncing Chair Light offers rhythmic, repetitive motion that soothes and refocuses energy.

Small, mindful breaks like these — a stretch, a bounce, or a sway — can help children reset and better handle sensory demands.

3. Build Predictability and Choice

Holidays often disrupt normal routines, which can increase anxiety for children who thrive on structure. Creating predictable moments and offering choices can help restore a sense of control and calm.

Visual timers and color-based cues are simple, effective ways to help children anticipate what’s coming next. The Color Illusion Timer provides a calming visual countdown, while the Time Timer Plus helps children understand the passage of time in a clear, visual format.

Previewing daily plans or offering simple choices — such as “Would you like to help decorate for five minutes or take a break first?” — gives children confidence in navigating busy days.

4. Offer Deep Pressure and Comfort

Deep pressure is one of the most effective sensory strategies for reducing stress. Weighted products can help calm the body, improve focus, and support better sleep.

The Weighted Blanket and Minky Dot Cover provide soothing, evenly distributed pressure, while Theo the Therapy Dog adds the same comforting weight in a friendly, child-appealing form.

Both options promote a sense of safety and calm — something every child can benefit from during an overstimulating season.

A Season of Grace and Understanding

The holidays are meant to be joyful, but they don’t have to be perfect. Allowing space for calm, patience, and flexibility helps everyone — children and adults alike — feel more grounded and connected.

Creating sensory-friendly spaces and routines isn’t just about reducing stress; it’s about nurturing emotional safety and belonging. When we prioritize sensory well-being, we invite more peace into the season for everyone.