Why Do Some People Feel Anxious Unpacking Decorations Is It Nostalgia Overload Or Sensory Processing

For many, the act of pulling out holiday decorations marks the joyful beginning of the season—twinkling lights, familiar ornaments, the scent of pine bringing warmth and tradition. Yet for others, this ritual can trigger a surprising wave of anxiety, fatigue, or even dread. The simple task of opening a box becomes emotionally charged, physically overwhelming, or mentally exhausting. What’s behind this reaction? Is it nostalgia that floods the senses too intensely? Or could it be related to how the brain processes sensory input? The answer often lies at the intersection of memory, emotion, and neurological sensitivity.

Unpacking decorations may seem like a mundane chore, but it engages multiple psychological and physiological systems. It involves touch (handling fragile items), sight (bright colors and flashing lights), smell (dusty storage, old fabric), and deep emotional recall (memories tied to specific ornaments). For individuals with heightened sensory processing sensitivity or complex emotional histories, this convergence can become overwhelming. Understanding these dynamics isn’t about pathologizing holiday traditions—it’s about recognizing that emotional responses are valid, varied, and deeply personal.

The Emotional Weight of Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorations are rarely neutral objects. They carry stories: a handmade ornament from a child now grown, a tree topper passed down through generations, lights strung by someone no longer present. These items serve as emotional anchors, linking us to past celebrations, lost loved ones, or childhood wonder. But when memories are bittersweet or layered with grief, the act of retrieving them can stir unresolved feelings.

Nostalgia itself is a complex emotional state. Research shows it can boost mood and social connectedness, but it can also evoke longing, sadness, or a sense of time slipping away. Psychologists refer to this duality as “bittersweet nostalgia”—a blend of warmth and sorrow. When people say they’re “overwhelmed by nostalgia” during decoration season, they may actually be experiencing a resurgence of grief, loneliness, or pressure to recreate perfect past moments.

“Nostalgia isn’t just remembering—it’s reliving. And sometimes, we aren’t ready to re-enter those emotional spaces.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Clinical Psychologist specializing in seasonal affective behavior

This emotional reactivation can manifest as anxiety. The mind anticipates not just the joy of decorating, but also the weight of expectations—to host perfectly, to feel joyful on command, to honor traditions while managing loss. For someone already navigating grief or depression, especially during winter months when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more common, unpacking decorations can feel less like celebration and more like emotional labor.

Sensory Processing: When Bright Lights Feel Like Overload

Beyond emotion, there’s a neurological dimension to holiday unpacking anxiety. For individuals with sensory processing sensitivity (SPS)—a trait found in roughly 15–20% of the population—holiday decor presents a perfect storm of stimuli. Think about it: tinsel glimmers, lights blink erratically, music plays in the background, boxes crinkle, and scents from storage (dust, mothballs, aged cardboard) fill the air. Even the texture of tangled wires or brittle garlands can trigger discomfort.

Sensory Processing Sensitivity is not a disorder; it’s a normal variation in how the nervous system regulates input. People high in SPS process information more deeply, notice subtleties others miss, and are more easily overstimulated. This trait is linked to the HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) framework developed by Dr. Elaine Aron. For HSPs, the sensory richness of holiday prep isn’t festive—it’s fatiguing.

Tip: If you're sensitive to visual clutter, unpack decorations one box at a time in a quiet space. Avoid doing it all in one session.

Consider the experience of blinking LED lights. While most see cheerful flickers, neurodivergent individuals—such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder (SPD)—may perceive them as jarring, disorienting, or even painful. Similarly, the sound of crumpling tissue paper used to wrap ornaments can be acoustically distressing. These reactions aren’t exaggerations; they reflect real differences in neural processing.

A Real Example: Maya’s December Dilemma

Maya, a 34-year-old graphic designer, loves the idea of holiday decorating but dreads the actual process. Every year, she sets aside a weekend to unpack her family’s collection—many pieces inherited from her late mother. As soon as she opens the first box, she feels a tightness in her chest. The smell of cedar and old fabric triggers vivid memories. She starts crying unexpectedly. Then, handling the delicate glass ornaments, she becomes hyper-aware of every sound: the scratch of wire hooks, the hum of the overhead light, the neighbor’s loud holiday playlist.

By mid-afternoon, she’s exhausted, overwhelmed, and guilty for not feeling joyful. It wasn’t until she learned about sensory processing sensitivity that she realized her reaction wasn’t “being too emotional”—it was her nervous system responding to a flood of stimuli, both sensory and emotional. Now, she spaces out the process over several days, uses noise-canceling headphones, and allows herself to skip traditions without guilt.

Nostalgia vs. Sensory Processing: How to Tell the Difference

Distinguishing between nostalgia-driven anxiety and sensory overload is key to finding effective coping strategies. While both can coexist, their root causes differ—and so do their solutions.

Factor	Nostalgia-Driven Anxiety	Sensory Processing Overload
Primary Trigger	Emotional memories, grief, loss, or pressure to relive the past	Brightness, noise, textures, smells, visual clutter
Physical Symptoms	Tearfulness, heaviness in chest, fatigue from emotional effort	Headaches, irritability, dizziness, need to escape environment
Timing of Reaction	Occurs when handling meaningful items or thinking about past holidays	Immediate upon exposure to stimuli (e.g., opening a bright box)
Coping Strategy	Journalling, talking with loved ones, selective honoring of traditions	Reducing stimuli, pacing tasks, using ear protection, organizing calmly

Some people experience both. A person might feel sad holding a Christmas ornament from a past relationship (nostalgia) while also being overwhelmed by the strobe-like effect of nearby string lights (sensory). Recognizing this overlap allows for more compassionate self-care.

Practical Strategies for Managing Decoration-Related Anxiety

Whether your anxiety stems from emotional weight, sensory sensitivity, or both, there are ways to reclaim the decorating experience—without forcing yourself to “just get through it.” The goal isn’t to eliminate the tradition, but to adapt it to your needs.

Step-by-Step Guide: Mindful Decoration Unpacking

1. Assess Your State First: Before opening any boxes, check in with yourself. Are you rested? Emotionally stable? If you’re already stressed, consider delaying the task.
2. Create a Calm Environment: Choose a quiet room with soft lighting. Turn off loud music or TV. Use warm, non-flickering lamps instead of harsh overhead lights.
3. Unpack One Box at a Time: Limit visual and tactile input. Focus on one category—ornaments, lights, tableware—before moving on.
4. Engage Emotions Gently: If an item brings up strong feelings, acknowledge it. Say aloud, “This reminds me of Mom,” or write a quick note. You don’t have to process everything immediately.
5. Take Breaks Every 20 Minutes: Step outside, drink water, or sit in silence. This prevents sensory and emotional buildup.
6. Modify Traditions Without Guilt: Skip the heirloom tablecloth if ironing it feels like too much. Use fewer lights if blinking ones bother you. Your well-being comes first.

Tip: Label boxes by theme and emotion (e.g., “Childhood Ornaments – Happy Memories” or “Formal Dining – Low Priority”) to help you choose what to unpack based on your energy level.

Checklist: Prepare for a Lower-Stress Decorating Experience

• ✅ Sort and donate unused decorations ahead of time
• ✅ Store items in clear, stackable bins with soft padding
• ✅ Use non-flickering LED lights (look for “steady” or “dim-to-warm” options)
• ✅ Have noise-canceling headphones or calming music ready
• ✅ Schedule unpacking over multiple days, not in one marathon session
• ✅ Identify which traditions are meaningful vs. obligatory
• ✅ Communicate your needs to household members (“I’d love help, but please don’t turn on loud music while I’m sorting.”)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to feel anxious about unpacking holiday decorations?

Yes, it’s more common than many realize. The combination of emotional memories, sensory input, and societal pressure to enjoy the holidays can create real anxiety. Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you dislike the season—it means you’re human, and your emotions and nervous system are responding honestly.

Can sensory issues explain why I hate Christmas lights?

Absolutely. Flashing or brightly colored lights can overstimulate the visual cortex, especially in individuals with sensory processing sensitivity, autism, or migraine disorders. Steady, warm-white LEDs are often better tolerated. Some people find relief using polarized sunglasses indoors or limiting exposure time.

What if my family doesn’t understand my reaction?

Many people equate holiday traditions with unconditional joy, making it hard for them to grasp your experience. Try explaining with specifics: “The blinking lights give me headaches,” or “This ornament brings up grief I’m still working through.” You might say, “I want to participate, but I need to do it in a way that doesn’t overwhelm me.” Setting boundaries with kindness helps preserve relationships and your mental health.

Conclusion: Honor Your Experience, Redefine the Ritual

The pressure to embrace holiday cheer can make personal struggles feel isolating. But anxiety around unpacking decorations isn’t a flaw—it’s a signal. It tells us that our emotions matter, our nervous systems deserve care, and our traditions can evolve. Whether you’re navigating the ache of nostalgia or the buzz of sensory overload, you’re not alone.

There is no single “right” way to celebrate. You can honor the past without reliving it. You can enjoy the season without enduring discomfort. By listening to your body and mind, adjusting routines, and giving yourself permission to do things differently, you create space for authentic connection—not forced festivity.

💬 Your turn: Have you ever felt anxious unpacking decorations? What helped you cope? Share your story in the comments—your insight could support someone who’s struggling in silence.