Earlier and earlier every year, the holidays approach. Some of us look forward to the lights, the music, food, and family. Others dread it. For kids with sensory processing problems and their families it can be a trying time. School is out and routines are non-existent. Lights are flashing, there are intense sounds and smells everywhere. Grandma is visiting and her voice is loud and she cuts our sandwiches differently! Even if your family does not celebrate holidays this time of year, it is nearly impossible not to be affected. I hope to share some tips andideas that can make the holiday season a little easier to handle.

1. Make a calendar! Get a large dry erase board (or 2 or 3) and write in what to expect each day. START EARLY! You may need to start in late November with Thanksgiving. Include things like “put up tree,” “bake cookies” “put up Menorah” “Town Decorations Go up,” “Aunt Eunice and Uncle Herbert come for dinner.” Keep this calendar in a visible area and talk about it as often as is helpful. This could be 2 times a day or it could be 1 time a week. Keep it going as long as necessary with items like “School starts again” and “Christmas Tree Comes Down.”
2. Have a quiet space at ANY gathering. This should be a quiet room with no decorations. Keep it stocked with pillows, blankets, books and favorite toys or videos. Talk with friends and relatives ahead of time and make sure a room can be available. Then you can have a “Security Bag” with favorite items to bring along. This room can be a quiet place for any child in Sensory Overload.
3. If it doesn’t look like a quiet room can be arranged, maybe try to arrange for a smaller gathering, or see if an older child relative would also like to forgo the party and make a little money by babysitting 1-2 kids with their own quiet “party.”
4. Christmas is a time of crowds, music and ringing bells. Even when you are just trying to get your weekly groceries! If your kiddo is easily overwhelmed, start keeping a pair of headphones in the car. Noise cancelling headphones can stop overwhelming background noise, but will still let conversation level voices through.
5. Some children are enchanted by holiday lights. They can calmly watch them for long periods of time. If you can, arrange a special chair that lets them watch these lights comfortably. Other children might be frightened by these lights. In this case, drawing window shades or curtains can help reduce the stimuli. Asking neighbors when they are planning to take their lights down will also help because you can put the dates on your calendar and prepare your child for that change back to the normal routine.
6. Don’t force your child into “holiday clothing.” It would be lovely in Linda would wear that pretty dress with the lace collar. But is it worth the struggle as she pulls at it and screams because it itches. Find something she will enjoy (or at least tolerate for pictures) and have a change of clothing just in case.
7. Encourage kids to try holiday foods, but don’t force it! If you have a picky eater, bring along a meal or snacks you know they will eat if you are going to a party. Keep an eye on how many of the holiday treats such as cookies or fudge they are enjoying too. Some kids react badly to a sudden influx of sugar so you may see some increased hyperactivity, crankiness or tummy ache.

What are your favorite oliday survival tactics? Please share them in the comments!