Christmas is coming!

Christmas is well and truly on the horizon and whilst we are preoccupied with the many tasks this brings us as parents, it is advisable to take the time to consider how you might make some tweaks to make this magical time of year a happier time for all.

For children and young people who experience sensory processing challenges, Christmas time can throw up a number of additional curve balls.

With the end of the school term, routines may become less predictable with visits from friends and family that were not expected. Our houses look and smell different and may feel overstimulating with twinkling fairy lights and shiny baubles on display. Participation in the school nativity play may be causing your little one some degree of stress: all those people looking at them.

For others, the antics of the elf on the shelf may be unfathomable.

Going out, the shops are busier and louder and parents may appear distracted and are rushing around. All of these things and more can contribute to a young person experiencing heightened sensory overwhelm and feeling dysregulated.

Here are some suggestions that might help your family to navigate this tricky time of year.

The use of some sort of visual schedule may help your child to anticipate the activities you have planned for the family. Be careful not to do too much and consider your child’s tolerance for social gatherings. If your child masks this may be an exhausting time for them. This may help make the holidays more predictable for your child.

Discuss with your child how it is ok for them to take time out in their bedroom when family and friends are over. Remind them of this discreetly if you can see they are struggling.

Finding time to regroup as a family unit will be beneficial to schedule in. A walk or time in the park may be just the tonic you need, especially as part of your Christmas Day.  

Some children find the unpredictability of presents extremely stressful. They may prefer to know what they are unwrapping as surprises do not feel comfortable.  

Conversely sensory seeking children may relish this aspect of Christmas. You can extend their present opening pleasure through individual wrapping of gifts with multiple parts. Alternatively, a gift treasure hunt, with clues can be a fun way to extend the present opening time whilst burning off some steam!.

Involve your children with some aspects of the food preparation process. This will help them to be informed as to what the meal will involve. Table setting is another valuable contribution they can make.

Play the tidy up game on Christmas Day… who can put the most wrapping paper in their bin bag? Have a large box put aside to collect each of your children’s gifts so that they know where everything is.

Have a think in advance about food and discuss with your child what they might like to eat on Christmas Day. This may be different to everyone else, but reassure them that that is ok.

Fidget toys make excellent stocking gifts. Remember that Father Christmas does not have to go into your child’s room to fill their stockings. Your child may feel happier knowing that he will limit himself to downstairs.

Make a plan for Christmas Day that includes some down time for everyone.

Finally, everyone at NNT would like to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Rachel White
Occupational Therapist