Tis the Season for Festive Get-Togethers & Big Feelings!

The festive season can be a time of joy, celebration, and connection, but for many children, it can also bring challenges. The social demands of family gatherings, changes in routine, and the transition to holiday mode can feel overwhelming, especially for children with emotional or developmental challenges. As parents and caregivers, understanding these challenges and equipping your child with the right tools can make all the difference.

The Challenges of the Festive Season

The festive season often comes with heightened sensory and social demands. Bright lights, loud music, crowded spaces, and unfamiliar faces can be overstimulating for children. Additionally, the expectation to engage socially—whether it’s greeting relatives, participating in group activities, or adapting to new environments—can feel daunting.

For children who thrive on routine, the unpredictability of the holidays can add another layer of stress. School breaks, travel plans, and disrupted daily schedules can leave them feeling ungrounded.

Why Preparation is Key

Preparation is one of the most effective ways to help your child navigate these challenges. By planning ahead, you can create a sense of predictability and control, which is especially important for children who struggle with transitions.

To support you in this process, we’ve created a Planning for Holidays Tip Sheet—a practical resource filled with actionable strategies to help your child feel more secure and confident during the festive season.

Tips to Support Your Child

Here are some key strategies to help your child manage the social and emotional demands of the festive season and holiday transitions:

1. Set Clear Expectations

Before any event or trip, talk to your child about what to expect. Use simple language to explain who will be there, what activities are planned, and how long the event will last. Visual aids, such as social stories or visual timetables, can be really helpful

2. Create a Flexible Routine

While it’s impossible to maintain your regular routine during the holidays, try to establish a flexible holiday routine. Include consistent wake-up and bedtimes, meal schedules, and quiet times for relaxation. This structure can provide a sense of stability amidst the holiday chaos.

3. Use a Sensory Lens

Consider the sensory demands of holiday activities. If your child is sensitive to noise, bring noise-cancelling headphones. If they’re overwhelmed by crowds, plan for quieter times or create a “safe space” where they can retreat if needed.

4. Practice Social Scenarios

If you’d like your child to use routine social language, role-playing common social interactions, such as greeting relatives or saying thank you for a gift can help. Practicing these scenarios in a low-pressure environment can help your child feel more prepared and confident.

5. Involve Your Child in Planning

Empower your child by involving them in holiday planning. Let them choose an activity, pack their travel bag, or decide on a quiet-time activity. This sense of agency can reduce anxiety and increase their engagement.

6. Allow for Downtime

The festive season can be exhausting, so make sure to schedule downtime for your child to recharge. Whether it’s reading a book, playing with a favourite toy, or simply relaxing in a quiet space, these moments of calm are essential.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s efforts to navigate the social and sensory demands of the season. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and encourage them to keep trying.

Transitioning to Holiday Mode

The transition from school to holidays can be another challenging aspect of the festive season. To ease this transition:

• Mark the End of School: Create a small ritual to signify the end of the school term, such as a special dinner or a family movie night.

• Plan Ahead: Use a calendar to count down to key holiday events, helping your child visualise what’s coming next.

• Maintain Connections: If your child misses their school friends, arrange playdates or virtual catch-ups to keep them connected.

Download the Planning for Holidays Tip Sheet

To make your holiday season smoother, download our Planning for Holidays Tip Sheet to help you start a conversation with your child about the holiday season.

Final Thoughts

The festive season and holiday transitions don’t have to be overwhelming for your child. With the right preparation and support, you can create a joyful and meaningful experience for the whole family. Remember, every child is unique, so adapt these strategies to suit your child’s individual needs.

By planning ahead and using resources like our Planning for Holidays Tip Sheet, you can help your child navigate the season with the least stress possible. Let’s make this festive season a time of connection, growth, and celebration for your family.