The Holiday Season Isn’t Stressful — Your Nervous System Is Overstimulated

December isn’t actually the problem.

The lights are beautiful. The music is nostalgic. The intention is connection.

So why does your chest feel tight, your patience thin, and your body exhausted before the first cookie tray even cools?

Because your nervous system is fried — not because you’re “bad at the holidays.”

Between overstimulation, emotional landmines, unresolved family dynamics, and the pressure to feel joyful, your body is running survival mode dressed up in twinkle lights.

Here’s what no one tells you

Your body doesn’t recognize “festive obligation.”
It recognizes safety or threat.

And December is full of both.

• Loud environments

• Tight schedules

• Old emotional wounds resurfacing

• Grief hiding behind traditions

• Forced togetherness without regulation

Your nervous system isn’t failing — it’s protecting you.

The Spiritual Bypass We Need to Retire

“Just be grateful.”
“Raise your vibration.”
“Choose joy.”

No. Let’s choose regulation first.

3 Simple Ways to Regulate During the Holidays

(No retreats, no crystals required — though I do love a good crystal moment.)

1. Pause before responding
   Even 3 slow breaths tells your body you’re safe.

2. Name what’s happening
   “This feels like overwhelm” is grounding. Your body relaxes when it’s understood.

3. Create micro-rituals
   A candle before bed. Hand on heart in the car. One intentional moment a day.

Here’s the truth

You don’t need to fix yourself this December.
You need to support your system.

When your nervous system feels safe, joy stops feeling forced — it shows up naturally.