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According to the song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” but for me, Christmas has always been a mix of excitement and challenge. From October onwards, I love preparing for the season—choosing and making meaningful gifts, poring over festive recipes, and planning a show-stopping dessert for the big day. But when it comes to the actual days of Christmas, I’ve always found them difficult.
For me, Christmas feels unpredictable, overwhelming, and full of "enforced fun." While this isn’t how my Christmas looks now, my brain still processes it rigidly, tied to how I experienced it as a child. And I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.
If you’re supporting an autistic child who experiences anxiety around Christmas, there are ways to make the season more manageable and enjoyable for them.
1. Minimise sensory overload: Lights, loud music, and crowded spaces can be overwhelming. Create quieter, low-sensory spaces at home, and consider leaving some areas undecorated to maintain a sense of familiarity. Providing a designated quiet area can also give your child a safe retreat when they need it.
2. Adapt traditions: Most families have their own festive traditions, but these can be adjusted to help your child participate comfortably. Share the reasons for these adjustments with family members and ask for their understanding and patience—it can make a big difference.
3. Maintain routines: Stick to regular meal and sleep schedules as much as possible to provide stability.
4. Consider telling your child what they are getting for Christmas: For my son, knowing exactly what gifts he’s receiving helps to reduce his anxiety and makes Christmas morning less stressful.
5. Plan for after Christmas: The adjustment period post-Christmas is just as important as the lead-up. It can take time for children to transition back to their usual routines, so give yourself time to reflect on what worked and what might need tweaking for next year.
By tailoring the Christmas experience to meet your child’s unique needs, you can create a celebration that feels less overwhelming and more joyful—not just for this year, but for many Christmases to come.
We’ve got plenty of resources to help you this Christmas! Download our FREE letter from Santa, designed to let your child know exactly what they’ll be receiving this year—perfect for reducing gift-related anxiety. You can also explore *Parenting Rewired*, our first book, which includes an entire chapter on managing celebrations, and *Autism and Anxiety*, our second book, filled with strategies for supporting an anxious autistic child throughout the year.
Don’t miss out—both books are available at a discounted Black Friday price until Sunday, 24th November 2024!
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