The holiday season can be a magical time filled with family gatherings, festive activities, and a welcome break from the regular routine. But for many children—and their parents—this period of change can bring challenges. A disruption to routines, sensory overload from the hustle and bustle, and a pause in regular therapy can create stress and discomfort.

For children with sensory sensitivities or difficulty adapting to change, these challenges can feel even more pronounced. Understanding why these difficulties arise is the first step in creating a supportive and memorable holiday experience.

But the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

With thoughtful preparation and a focus on your child’s individual needs, this season can become a time of connection, growth, and joy for the whole family.

Here are some practical strategies to prepare and support your child, ensuring the season is enjoyable and manageable for the whole family:

1. Maintain a Predictable Routine

Even with the excitement of holidays, children thrive on routine. While it’s impossible to stick to school schedules exactly, creating a holiday version can help:

Use Visual Schedules: Create a visual calendar or daily schedule with activities like family outings, mealtimes, and bedtime. Involving your child in planning can also give them a sense of control.
Set Regular Wake and Sleep Times: Try to keep consistent sleep routines to prevent overtiredness and meltdowns.
Incorporate Familiar Activities: Include elements of your child’s regular day, like quiet reading time, sensory breaks, or outdoor play.

2. Prepare for Sensory Overwhelm

The holiday environment can be overwhelming for children, with loud music, flashing lights, crowded spaces, and new smells. Here’s how to help:

Create a Safe Space: Have a designated quiet area at home where your child–or even the whole family–can retreat when things get too much.
Use Sensory Tools: Pack familiar sensory aids like noise-canceling headphones, chewable jewelry, or fidget toys when heading out.
Plan Breaks: When attending events, schedule downtime between activities to allow your child to recharge.

3. Practice Flexibility in Small Steps

Holidays often come with last-minute changes, which can be difficult for children who prefer predictability. Gradually introducing small, manageable changes can help build their resilience:

Role-Play Scenarios: Practice what might happen during an outing, like waiting in line or meeting new people.
Give Choices: Let your child choose between options when plans change, helping them feel more in control.

4. Keep Therapy Goals in Mind

The break from regular therapy doesn’t mean pausing your child’s progress. You can incorporate therapeutic strategies into daily activities:

Sensory Diets: Stick to your child’s sensory needs by weaving them into holiday activities, like calming deep-pressure hugs or movement breaks during family gatherings.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills: Baking cookies can be a fun way to build fine motor skills, while a family walk can work on gross motor abilities.
Social Skills Practice: Role-play greetings and conversations before holiday events to boost confidence.

5. Manage Expectations—Yours and Theirs

Holidays can create pressure to meet expectations, but it’s important to set realistic goals:

Prioritise Meaningful Traditions: Focus on a few key activities rather than packing your schedule.
Communicate with Family: Let extended family or friends know how they can support your child, whether it’s through a quiet corner at their house or understanding if plans need to change.

“Children aren’t trying to be difficult—they are communicating that something is difficult for them. Whether it’s through behavioural changes, sensory avoidance, or emotional outbursts, their reactions are often signals that they need support”

6. Support Emotional Regulation

Children may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or anxious during the holidays. Help them manage their emotions with these tips:

Name Their Feelings: Help your child identify their emotions with phrases like, “I can see you’re feeling frustrated because it’s loud here.”
Practice Breathing Exercises: Simple techniques like deep belly breathing can help them calm down.
Plan for Transitions: Give advance warning before moving from one activity to the next, and offer reassurance about what’s coming.

7. Seek Support When Needed

If the holiday season feels overwhelming for your family, don’t hesitate to reach out to your occupational therapist for guidance. They can offer personalised strategies tailored to your child’s needs.

Empathy First: Why Understanding Matters

Children aren’t trying to be difficult—they are communicating that something is difficult for them. Whether it’s through behavioural changes, sensory avoidance, or emotional outbursts, their reactions are often signals that they need support. By approaching the holidays with empathy and a proactive mindset, you can create a season filled with joy, connection, and growth.

From all of us at Hunter Functional Health, we wish you and your family a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season!

Supporting Your Child Through the Holidays