Preparing for Christmas: 5 Practical Tips from an OT
Preparing for Christmas: Practical Tips for a Smooth and Stress-Free Holiday Season
The holiday season can be an exciting but challenging time for families, especially for those supporting children with additional needs. From the changes in routine to sensory overload, Christmas can quickly become overwhelming. However, with a little planning and flexibility, you can create a joyful and manageable holiday season for everyone in the family. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for Christmas while maintaining structure and enjoying the festive period.
I personally love Christmas and I start planning and preparing early BUT I try and do that so I can enjoy it and not then stress (too much) about what needs to happen.
I personally highly recommend the book Life Admin Hacks and their chapter on Lists. The Gift Reference list and a single-point-of-truth has helped me so much this festive season!
1. Shop Online to Reduce Stress
Online shopping is a lifesaver during the Christmas holidays, especially for parents juggling multiple responsibilities. Instead of navigating busy stores, online shopping allows you to browse at your own pace, compare prices, and have items delivered straight to your door (or click and collect!). Make a list early, set a budget, and shop online to avoid the sensory overwhelm of crowded shops and last-minute rushes. Many retailers offer early sales, so consider starting your holiday shopping well in advance.
2. Use a Visual Timetable
The holiday season often brings disruptions to regular routines, which can be difficult for children who thrive on structure. One effective way to maintain a sense of predictability is by using a visual timetable. This tool can help children understand what’s happening each day during the busy Christmas period, from visits with family to festive outings. You can customise it to include key activities such as decorating the tree, attending a holiday event, or simply having quiet time. It’s no secret how much we love visuals here at LHA. You can read more here and here in our previous blogs.
We (as the adults) are doing this for the week of Christmas menu too which means we can really look forward to all the great food!!
Anchor Points: Add consistent daily events such as meals or bedtime routines to the timetable. Even when the day’s activities are different, having these anchor points can help children feel grounded.
3. Maintain Flexibility, But Keep a Routine (I get this is a contradiction!)
While it’s important to keep some routines in place, the holidays also require a degree of flexibility. If you’re traveling or have visitors, be prepared for the unexpected. Being flexible doesn’t mean letting go of structure entirely; instead, aim to maintain a few core routines while adjusting the rest to suit the circumstances.
For example, if bedtime is usually at 7 p.m., try to keep the winding-down process similar, even if the timing changes. Encourage children to follow a simplified version of their normal routine, such as reading a book before bed or brushing their teeth at the same time.
4. Create Anchor Points: Consistency Amid Change
The holidays are filled with new experiences, but having anchor points — small, consistent moments throughout the day — can provide comfort. These could be family traditions like sitting down together for meals, having a quiet hour in the afternoon, or sticking to familiar rituals like lighting the advent candles.
Anchor points help children feel secure and can offer a break from the sensory overload that often accompanies Christmas festivities. For instance, even if you’re spending Christmas away from home, bringing along familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket can be comforting.
Adults need anchor points too, especially if you are away from home! Your own evening routine, morning routine or whatever help you maintain your regulation which in turn helps you be the best parent!
5. Give Yourself Grace and Flexibility
The holidays aren’t just stressful for children — parents need grace and flexibility, too. Be kind to yourself during this busy time. It’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned or if you need to adapt your approach as you go. Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as managing everything else.
Build in small moments of self-care, whether it’s a quiet cup of tea in the morning or setting aside time to relax in the evening. This will help you recharge and be more present for your family throughout the festive season.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for Christmas doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By shopping online, creating visual schedules, maintaining routines with flexibility, and having anchor points, you can ensure a smoother holiday experience. Most importantly, remember to give yourself grace as you navigate the season’s ups and downs. After all, the magic of Christmas lies in spending time together (but not too much time lol)— and that’s something no amount of preparation can replace.
Ready to get started? Check out our blog for more tips on everything OT, Psych and kids!
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