For many, the Christmas holiday season is filled with fun, parties and tons of excitement. But if you’re an autistic or someone with anxiety or sensory processing challenges, the holidays can be a nightmare! We have some tips to help you survive!
Expectations – If you or your child find the holidays a bit much , try to be as clear as you can with family and friends about what you are able to manage. Don’t try to fit in all of the visits and activities that others expect you to. Follow what works for you – as little or as much as you can handle.
Timing – choose the right time to visit venus and attractions. Movies, holiday attractions and restaurants will all be busier over the holidays. Phone ahead to find the best times or check google for peak periods.
Take it slow – decorate your home gradually! Change your decor for the holidays a bit at a time so your child isn’t inundated with a new environment. Keep some things the same and help your child focus on that if needed.
Make a Plan B – always have an alternate plan ready for yourself or your child if anxiety or overload takes hold. Have a way to leave if necessary, have a quiet place to retreat to.
Food Challenges – if you’re going to someone else’s home for a holiday meal, ask ahead as to what the menu will be. Bring along some favorites if you feel that will make mealtime easier.
Gift giving – if going to someone else’s house to open presents, prepare your child with a script of what to say in response to a gift
Gifting at home – sometimes the excitement and frenzy of a lot of presents on Christmas Eve or morning is just too much. Rather than opening all presents at once, allow yourself or your child to open at their own pace – even if it takes hours! A great way to avoid the Christmas day frenzy is with a Chewigem Sensory Advent Box . 24 gifts, each wrapped and numbered is a great way to lead up to Christmas without too much pressure.
Allow for down time – ensure that there is time in the day or days for you or your child to have quiet time. Whether it’s chilling with a favorite movie or a walk in the snow, breaks are a way to a calmer holiday season.
Keep Chewigem handy – to help with sensory overload and heightened anxiety, Chewigem chewelry for kids and adults can provide a safe alternative for those that need to chew.
Remember that to make the holidays special for you or your child, you don’t have to do everything! Do what feels right for you.
Deyon Ventures Inc. DBA Chewigem Canada | GST# 810538991
Chewigem Canada is located on Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene Peoples and the homeland of the Métis Nation. Chewigem respects the Treaties that were made on this territory and is dedicated to working with all in the spirit of reconciliation for as long as the sun shines, the grass grows, and the river flows.
Chewigem Canada est située sur les terres traditionnelles du Traité no. 1 des peuples Anishinaabe, Cri, Oji-Cree, Dakota et Dene, et sur la patrie de la Nation métisse. Nous reconnaissons les traités et les relations qui font notre communauté et nous nous engageons à travailler ensemble dans un esprit de réconciliation aussi longtemps que le soleil brille, que l’herbe pousse et que la rivière coule.
