{"id":61856,"date":"2026-01-06T21:07:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T21:07:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstthingsfirst.org\/?post_type=first-things&p=61856"},"modified":"2026-02-04T22:55:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T22:55:59","slug":"big-feelings-holidays","status":"publish","type":"first-things","link":"https:\/\/www.firstthingsfirst.org\/es\/first-things\/big-feelings-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding why big feelings show up after the holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"

The holidays are full of excitement, connection and change. When it is all said and done, many children\u2014especially toddlers and preschoolers\u2014experience a surge in <\/span>big feelings<\/span><\/a>. You may even find yourself wondering<\/span>, What did I do wrong?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Take a breath. These emotional spikes are normal and developmentally appropriate. Here is why big feelings often show up after the holidays, and what can help.<\/span><\/p>\n

Routines were disrupted (for good reason)<\/span><\/h2>\n

Holiday schedules often look very different from everyday life. Later bedtimes, skipped or delayed naps, travel time and different or new caregivers are all part of the season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Young children rely on predictable routines to feel safe and secure. When those routines change, returning to normal can feel impossible. This can show up as more tears, clinginess or meltdowns.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sensory overload has a come-down<\/span><\/h2>\n

The holidays bring extra noise, more people, new places and lots of stimulation. Even fun experiences can overwhelm a child\u2019s nervous system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During busy moments, children may not be able to express how they feel. But once things calm down, those feelings often rise to the surface. This can sometimes look like new behaviors such as hitting, biting or big reactions to seemingly small frustrations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Big emotions, limited skills<\/span><\/h2>\n

Little kids feel emotions strongly and are still learning how to manage them. They do not yet have the skills to calm themselves or explain what they need.<\/span><\/p>\n

What looks like misbehavior is often a child asking for help regulating their emotions. Your calm presence helps them learn <\/span>how to handle those big feelings<\/span><\/a> over time.<\/span><\/p>\n