If Christmas feels overwhelming - for you or your toddler - you’re not imagining it.

And you’re not doing anything wrong.

For babies and toddlers, the holiday season brings more noise, more stimulation, more people, more stuff, and disrupted routines - often all at once. Little nervous systems aren’t built to manage that kind of overload, even when everything looks joyful from the outside.

In this episode, I explain why Christmas can feel like “too much” for young children, and how understanding early brain development can help you release guilt, lower expectations, and protect what matters most. 

We’ll talk about how toddlers actually process experiences, what they truly remember, and why simplicity and rhythm are not only enough - they’re protective.

You’ll also hear real-life stories from my clinical work and motherhood, along with gentle permission to keep Christmas simple for your little ones while still enjoying meaningful connection as a family.

This episode isn’t about doing more.

It’s about understanding what your child needs — and giving yourself permission to rest there.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Christmas can overwhelm babies and toddlers
• How young children’s brains process stimulation and memory
• What toddlers actually remember from holidays (and what they don’t)
• Why fewer toys and simpler routines support regulation
• How to prevent post-holiday dysregulation and sleep disruption
• Permission to give your child a touch of Christmas - without the layers and pressure

Looking ahead: Discovery Call - for parents of babies & toddlers

As we move toward the new year, I also share a brief note about Discovery Calls - free, one-to-one conversations designed to help determine whether a focused six-week parent coaching format would be helpful for your family at this time.

There’s no pressure and no obligation. January is now open, and you’ll find all the details here:

👉 Start here to request a Discovery Call

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🌟 Join the Inside Talking Toddlers community for exclusive deep dives and get Erin’s free guide: Top 10 ESSENTIAL Skills For Talking.

CLICK HERE FOR: Building Vocabulary: Single Words to 2-Word Phrases

Because the little years are the big years.

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Disclaimer: 

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified health provider with questions about your child’s development or health. The views shared are based on Erin Hyer’s professional experience and are intended to support informed parenting, not to replace individual consultation or care. Every child and family is unique — please use your discretion and consult trusted professionals when making decisions for your child.

📩 Questions: [email protected]
 🌐 www.HyerLearning.com

Thank you for being here — and for caring so deeply about your child’s well-being.