The holiday season typically brings joy, excitement, and family togetherness. However, for neurodivergent families, this time of year can present unique challenges and sources of stress. As parents, caregivers, and friends, it's important to understand these difficulties and find ways to make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone, from planning through managing the big days.
Holidays Can Be Stressful
Changes in Routine: School breaks, out of town guests, holiday preparation and special events are among the top stressors during the holiday season. We see lots of half days at school, and school routines change with special events, like school wide concerts. What is supposed to be fun and exciting can instead be stressful and disruptive.
Sensory Overload: Different lighting, soundtracks/music, seasonal and new meal smells and crowded spaces can be overstimulating and stressful.
Social Expectations: Holiday gatherings and special events ask children and families to maintain social interactions in new settings and with new people.
New Foods: Many holiday celebrations center around food, which is particularly challenging to children with limited diets and restricted eating. Candy-centered celebration can also be challenging if food that is not typically allowed or given access to becomes readily available or gifted. (We’re looking at you, sugar and artificial dyes!)
Travel: Celebrating holidays in different settings, or hosting traveling guests can be a challenge this time of year. Spending long amounts of time strapped into your seat challenges all of us.
Strategies to Help
Give yourself GRACE: If holidays are hard on your family, you are not alone. This is the most challenging time of the year for many families, and the stress placed on parents and guardians to manage all of the moving parts is overwhelming. Give yourself grace and try to do something to take care of yourself as often as possible.
Maintain Structure: Try to keep as many routines consistent as possible, even during the holiday break. Use visual schedules or calendars to help your child understand what to expect each day.
Create a Calm Space: Designate a quiet area where your child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This could be a bedroom or a cozy corner with familiar, comforting items.
Prepare for Events: Before attending gatherings, discuss what will happen and who will be there. Consider using social stories to explain holiday traditions and expectations.
Manage Sensory Input: Bring noise-canceling headphones to loud events and consider dressing your child in comfortable clothing if they have sensory sensitivities.
Plan Escape Routes: At social events, have an exit strategy ready if your child becomes overwhelmed. This might mean leaving early or taking short breaks outside. Code words are great for older children or partners.
Communicate with Family: Explain your child's needs to relatives and friends. Help them understand how they can support your child during gatherings. Don’t be shy about modeling co-regulation as dysregulation occurs.
Focus on Enjoyment, Not Perfection: Remember that it's okay if things don't go exactly as planned. Celebrate the small victories and moments of joy. One happy memory can overshadow moments of stress.
How can We Rock The Spectrum Westford help?
We Rock The Spectrum Westford is committed to supporting families of children during the holiday season and beyond. Here are some ways we can help:
Sensory Friendly Holiday Events: We organize special holiday-themed events designed with sensory sensitivities in mind. Our events feature multisensory and structured activities that allow children to enjoy holiday festivities in a comfortable environment. We aim to provide opportunities for children to participate in seasonal activities without the overwhelm.
Activities just for Parents: We understand that parents need community too. We plan to do an adults only “Wrap Party” so that we can gather to wrap presents among new friends. We also host "Parents' Night Out" drop off events, giving you a chance to recharge during the busy holiday season while your children enjoy supervised activities at our facility.
Activities just for Kids: Our gym is open year-round, providing a consistent, familiar environment for children even when school is out.
Find your community: We Rock The Spectrum Westford is more than just a gym – it's a community. We facilitate connections between families facing similar challenges. Our holiday events allow families to celebrate together in an understanding and supportive environment. We also maintain resource lists of local service agencies and support that can be helpful during the holiday season and beyond.
By providing these services and fostering a supportive community, We Rock The Spectrum Westford aims to make the holiday season more manageable and enjoyable for children and their families. By acknowledging potential stressors and implementing supportive strategies, we can help make the season brighter for all children, regardless of their neurotypes. Remember, every child is unique. What works for one may not work for another. The key is to remain flexible, patient, and attuned to your child's individual needs. With thoughtful planning and a willingness to adapt, you can create holiday memories that are truly special for your entire family. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and there's a whole community here to support you through the holidays and beyond.
We Rock The Spectrum Westford
7 Lyberty Way, Unit B
Westford MA 01886
978-733-0969
Website: https://werockthespectrumwestford.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wrtswestford/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrtswestford/
