362- Holiday Meltdowns, Gift Disasters & When ‘Thank You’ Doesn’t Happen with Rachel and Alyssa

You're listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we’re getting into something that hits deep for so many of us, especially around the holidays.
You plan something special—a magical outing, a thoughtful gift—and you’re met with “Is that it?” or “What are we doing next?” It can feel like a gut punch. In this episode, we’re unpacking what’s really going on when kids seem to crave more—more stuff, more stimulation, more everything—and why it can be so triggering for us as adults.
We’ll explore the post-gift letdown, the impact of dopamine on kids’ brains, and the tension between gratitude and instant gratification in a world that moves fast. We’re also diving into the real-life challenges: navigating over-gifting from family, helping siblings through comparison, and what to say when a well-meaning grandparent crosses a boundary.
This episode is full of practical strategies and gentle reminders that parenting during the holidays doesn’t have to feel like a performance. We talk about how to make space for both joy and disappointment, and why letting kids fully experience the moment—even if it’s messy—is actually the magic.
Alright folks, let’s dive in.

VOYV Episodes on Sensory Regulation:

315- When Your Nervous System is Overwhelmed by Your Child's Sensory Needs with OT Larissa Geleris: Round Two (podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-your-v…)

316- Sensory Regulation for High Energy Kids with OT Julia Ieslin: Round Two (podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-your-v…)

306-Sensory Need or Behavioral Challenge? With Madeha Ayub, OT (podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-your-v…)

298- Update: After School Dysregulation with Lori Goodrich, OT (podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/voices-of-your-v…)

Connect with us:

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Website: seedandsew.org

Credits:

Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell

Co-host: Rachel Lounder

Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh

Graphics: Kayla Kurkland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig

Music by: Ruby Adams (instagram.com/rubygoldentiger) and Bensound (bensound.com)

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