The holiday season is a time of joy, excitement, and togetherness, but it can also bring significant disruptions to daily routines. For children with developmental delays or other disabilities, who often rely on structure to feel secure and thrive, the unpredictability of the holidays can be overwhelming.
Luckily, balancing the magic of the season with their need for routine is possible with a bit of planning and intentionality. Here’s how you can maintain structure while embracing the festive spirit.
1. Keep Key Routines Intact
While some level of disruption is unavoidable during the holidays, maintaining essential parts of your child’s routine can help them feel grounded.
Meal and Bedtime Schedules: Aim to keep mealtimes and bedtime consistent, even on busy days. These anchor points provide a sense of normality amidst the excitement.
Morning Routines: Start each day with familiar rituals like breakfast, dressing, or a calming activity.
2. Prepare for Changes in Advance
Preparation is key to helping children cope with new experiences and environments.
Visual Schedules: Use visual aids to outline the day’s activities. This can help children understand what to expect, reducing anxiety.
Social Stories: Create or find social stories that explain upcoming events, such as visiting family, attending a party, or seeing Santa.
Countdown Calendars: Mark special days on a calendar to provide a visual representation of when changes will occur.
3. Create a Holiday Routine
Incorporate seasonal activities into a predictable daily schedule to add festive fun while maintaining structure.
Designate specific times for decorating, baking, or gift-wrapping.
Plan quiet time after exciting activities to help your child regulate and recharge.
Make traditions out of calming rituals, such as a holiday bedtime story or a walk to see Christmas lights.
4. Manage Sensory Overload
The holidays can be a sensory minefield, with bright lights, loud music, and bustling crowds.
Provide Breaks: Ensure your child has access to a quiet space to retreat when needed.
Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones: These can help minimise auditory overwhelm during outings.
Introduce Sensory Activities: Incorporate soothing sensory activities, such as playdough, weighted blankets, or calming scents, to help regulate their senses.
5. Involve Your Child in Planning
Giving your child a sense of control over the holiday period can be empowering.
Allow them to choose from a selection of activities or meals.
Let them participate in planning and preparing for family gatherings, such as setting the table or decorating.
Offer choices within the day’s schedule to provide a sense of agency.
6. Plan for Downtime
The holiday season often involves a whirlwind of activity, but downtime is essential for everyone’s wellbeing.
Schedule unstructured time for relaxation and play.
Keep some days low-key to balance out busier ones.
Prioritise activities that your child finds calming or enjoyable.
7. Be Flexible and Realistic
Despite the best-laid plans, things won’t always go smoothly—and that’s okay.
Accept that changes may be harder for your child and adjust plans as needed.
Celebrate small wins, like successfully navigating a family gathering or trying a new holiday tradition.
Offer reassurance and praise for their efforts in adapting to the season’s challenges.
8. Seek Support if Needed
If the holiday season feels overwhelming, reach out for support.
Family and friends can help by understanding and respecting your child’s needs.
Online communities or local support groups can offer tips and encouragement.
Professionals, such as therapists or educators, may have additional strategies tailored to your child.
By maintaining routines and incorporating predictable elements into the holiday season, you can help your child feel secure while still enjoying the festivities. With a little forethought and flexibility, the holidays can be a joyful and manageable time for the whole family.
What strategies have worked for your family during the holiday break? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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