Preparing for the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration for many people, but it can also bring unique challenges for families raising children with disabilities. With increased pressure and heightened expectations, the holidays can lead to stress and anxiety, not only for children, but also for their parents/caregivers. We understand how it can feel like a balancing act to manage your child’s needs while trying to keep up with all the demands of the season.

We know that the added stress of the holidays can be overwhelming. With some thoughtful planning and preparation, you can help make this season more enjoyable for both your child and your family. We’re here to help you navigate the season with greater ease and joy. We don’t want you to just survive the holidays – we want you to thrive!

Here are some tips and suggestions to help you manage stress, focus on your family’s needs, and create meaningful memories with your child during this holiday season.

Keep Routines in Place

Holidays can disrupt regular schedules so try to stick to your child’s usual routines as much as possible. This will help reduce anxiety and help them feel less overwhelmed by changes in their daily schedule. Maintain structure by keeping consistent sleep and mealtimes. Try to keep other daily activities such as reading and playing in place, as well as limits on screen time and gaming time. Plan for some quiet time to help your child recharge.

Create a Safe Space

Designate a quiet area where your child can retreat when they need a break from the excitement. This could be a separate room, a cozy corner with familiar sensory, calming items like fidget toys, or even a space with soft lighting and noise-canceling headphones. Having a “safe zone” can help your child feel in control when things become overwhelming.

Set Realistic Expectations

Keep expectations reasonable. The holidays don’t have to be perfect! Focus on creating fun, meaningful moments with your child rather than trying to make everything “just right.” If things don’t go as planned, that’s okay! Let go of the pressure for a “picture-perfect” holiday and instead, make small, achievable goals for each activity, keeping in mind that your child’s well-being is the most important thing. Figure out what activities and events you will attend and which ones you will let go of. Focus on activities that don’t have high behavioral expectations and where your child can participate at their own pace and be themselves. Don’t be afraid to say no to anything that might not work for your child and family. People who care about you will understand if you decline an invitation or request.

Avoid Over-Scheduling

Instead of cramming too many activities into the holiday season, consider focusing on one or two that will bring your child joy. It’s better to have one or two enjoyable experiences than to over-schedule and risk sensory overload. Pay attention to your child’s energy levels and avoid events that might be too crowded, too long, or too overwhelming. Also, think about the best times of the day for your child and try to schedule activities around those times of the day/night.

Ease into Sensory Experiences

Holidays often come with a lot of new sensory experiences, from bright or flashing lights and decorations to different food smells. To help your child adjust, introduce these new sights and sounds slowly, and balance them with familiar, soothing sensory input. Start with one new sensory activity at a time, and balance it with a familiar, calming sensory activity. For example, you might try playing holiday music or showing them decorations gradually. You can introduce a new smell with a favorite smell to create a balance.

Utilize Visual Aids and Other Strategies

Visual aids can help children with disabilities navigate holiday gatherings with more confidence and less anxiety. These strategies aim to help children understand what to expect, reduce anxiety, and feel more comfortable in social situations. Examples are creating personalized social stories or narratives to help your child know what to expect during an event, and creating visual schedules or checklists using words, pictures, or symbols to help your child know what will happen next and give them structure. You can also practice social interactions or role-play specific scenarios your child may encounter during a holiday gathering or event.

Prep Family and Friends Before Gatherings

Before family gatherings, take a few minutes to explain to your relatives how to best interact with and support your child. They may not be familiar with your child’s specific needs or behaviors, so giving them a “heads-up” can prevent misunderstandings. For instance, let them know that your child might not be comfortable with hugs and prefers high fives or prefers to watch from a distance. This allows everyone to interact in a way that is positive and respectful for your child.

Recruit Extra Support

Having an extra set of hands during gatherings can be a huge help. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or hired helper, a support person can assist with managing your child’s needs, setting up a quiet space, or just helping when things get overwhelming. This person can also help take care of your child while you enjoy time with other guests.

Bring Familiar Comfort Items

If your child has a favorite toy, blanket, stuffed animal, or sensory item that provides comfort, be sure to bring it with you. Familiar items can offer reassurance when your child is in new or unfamiliar environments. Additionally, if your child uses electronics like an iPad, don’t forget to bring it along as well.

Consider Dietary Needs

Food is a big part of holiday celebrations. If your child has specific dietary restrictions, food sensitivities, or dietary preferences, you can bring your own snacks or meals to the gatherings that your child will enjoy or ask the host in advance about the menu and discuss what will work for your child. Label dishes clearly to avoid allergens and make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Gift Giving and Opening

Select gifts that suit your child’s abilities and preferences. If family members are unsure what to buy for your child, offer suggestions to ensure that the gifts will be both useful and enjoyable for your child. If your child struggles with fine motor skills or is overwhelmed by opening presents, you can simplify the process by removing excessive tape, loosening ribbons, or pre-unwrapping the gifts for them. Small adjustments can make the experience more successful and enjoyable and allow your child to focus on the excitement of receiving a gift rather than getting frustrated with the wrapping.

Travel Considerations

If you’re traveling during the holidays, plan ahead to ensure your child’s accessibility needs are met. No matter how you’re traveling, consider any special requirements such as space for mobility aids, assistive devices, or sensory accommodations such as noise-canceling headphones, preferred toys, fidgets, or weighted blankets. Give yourself extra time to get to where you need to be! Consider taking two cars to someone’s house or to an event or activity so you can leave early if your child becomes overwhelmed. Be sure to pack all the necessary medications and medical equipment/supplies. Familiarize yourself with local medical facilities and emergency services if you travel out of town and bring a list of emergency contacts and relevant medical information including any allergies, special requirements, and emergency protocols with you.

Accessible Venues

When planning to attend holiday gatherings, check that the venue is accessible to all. This means ensuring that there are ramps for wheelchairs, enough seating, and plenty of room for mobility aids. If possible, try to find a venue that also has a quiet space for your child to take a break from the noise or crowds when needed.

Take Time for Yourself

Holiday stress can be overwhelming for parents too, so it’s important to prioritize self-care during the holiday season. Don’t hesitate to take a break when you need one. You can step outside for fresh air, take a quiet walk, read a book, or retreat to a peaceful room. You can also seek support from others. Remember, you will be better able to care for your child when you take care of yourself too! Your well-being is important and it’s okay to step away for a little while in order to avoid stress and burnout. Everyone needs a chance to recharge, By taking care of yourself, you can make the holiday season more enjoyable for you and your family!

References:

https://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2015/12/02/15-stress-reducing-holiday-tips-for-families-with-special-needs
https://pediatrictherapies.com/7-tips-surviving-holidays-special-needs-child/
https://www.ameridisability.com/holiday-tips-for-individuals-with-disabilities/
https://kidscarehomehealth.com/holidays-with-a-special-needs-child/