Christmas 2024

Make Christmas 2024 work for you and your family.

If you are a parent or caregiver of neuro-spicy children, the least thing you should concern yourself with is additional duties. If possible, delegate them and don't feel guilty about it (although it's easier said than done). Establishing boundaries requires practice.

Over the years I have got better at making Christmas work for me but each year there is always something new that arises, for me to consider or think about, therefore each Christmas comes new boundaries. 

Some of the boundaries I have put in place are as follows;

Having a quiet space at nanny’s house for the children to disappear to if necessary (honestly, they usually spend all day in here).

Having less excitement around the children (probably the hardest to do and the most disappointing because I am a huge fan of Christmas. No one around me would know that mind! I have to contain all that excitement).

For Harry (age 7, AUTISM/ADHD/PDA) I request that all his presents get wrapped in one present because otherwise it is too overwhelming. I also warn people that it is likely the present won’t get opened that day.

I never promise to be anywhere at a particular time and instead arrange to send text updates on the day.

I don't put too much on myself. I used to do magical Christmas breakfasts and dog walking pre dinner to build an appetite. We used to do matching Pjs and Xmas eve boxes.  I have had Christmas days where I have offered to take cooked food and to prepare certain games or quizzes.  We keep it very simple now. We make our Christmas small and focus on time together.  That’s it.

I have prepped family members prior to seeing them what to do and not to do in a meltdown.  Usually, please give us space and ignore us is best. 

I will encourage my ARFID (avoidance and restrictive food intake disorder) boys to sit at the table with us for Christmas dinner but also will set up a different area for them if the smells and noise are too much.

We will separate visiting family members, in comparison to meeting at one huge event.  This would be too overwhelming. 

I won’t buy many presents for one of my children because he finds it too much.  That is okay.  I may keep some for Boxing Day if necessary.

I do not attend too many Christmas activities on the run up to Christmas, in the hope to keep excitement low.  We may do an outing once a week and usually consist of outdoor activities such as a Christmas puzzle walk, a evening light show and walking around my local neighbourhood to see all of the lovely front garden Christmas displays and lights.

A reminder....

It's okay to change your families Christmas tradition if you need to.  It's okay to say no to guests coming over to the house.  It's okay to pass responsibilities to other people.  You are caring for your child. That should be your own priority on a day. Christmas day can upset sensory impairments, routines and expectations which in turn doesn't always lead to a magical day. That is okay.

Be kind to you too and make changes so that you too can enjoy your Christmas day.

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