For some disabled children and their families, Christmas can be quite an overwhelming experience. Changes to the environment, routine and social expectations can mean that Christmas may be a confusing and challenging time. Christmas can be an overstimulating time of year and lead to sensory overload for some children. Lack of general accessibility can make it hard for children to join in with their friends and family for festive celebrations.
In this post we will look at some practical ways to help some disabled children enjoy the celebrations and reduce distress.
Change
• Introduce the decorations slowly to minimize the change in the environment. Alternatively, limiting decorations to from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day or have none at all. Do what works best for your family!
• Involve everyone in planning the changes. For example, shopping (in person or online) for decorations and letting them help decide where to put them and how many to use.
• Create a visual schedule for Christmas day and the events leading up to it. This can include activities such as opening presents, eating lunch and family visits. It can be helpful to stick as close to your typical day to day routine as possible.
• Create a Christmas free zone in your home so your child (or you!) has a quiet safe space to go if the celebrations become overwhelming.
Sensory Overload
• If you know crowds are difficult for your child then aim for quieter times and settings.
• Keep decorations to a minimum.
• Use sensory strategies to reduce sensory overload such as ear defenders and weighted blankets.
• Offer structure to present opening such as take turns opening gifts or limit the number of gifts from each person.
Accessibility
• Look for places that are specifically advertised as being accessible and check their website or call to confirm.
• Book in advance as lots of places (especially those with accessible options) require advance booking. This makes sure that they can accommodate your child's needs.
• Be specific about your child's specific needs such as wheelchair accessibility or communication difficulties.
• The aim is to create a positive and memorable experience for your child so focus on the experience and don't worry if things don't go exactly as planned!
The holidays can be a stressful time for many parents as they are filled with expectations to be cheerful, festive and outgoing. If you're feeling anxious or low, remember that it's okay to not be okay this time of year and be kind and gentle to yourself. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust such as a loved one or your GP can also be really helpful.
It's important to remember that no Christmas is perfect or stress-free, no matter what social media might suggest! Your Christmas doesn't have to match anyone else's ideal or expectations.
Focus on creating a celebration that brings you and your family happiness, joy and peace!
How do you and your family celebrate Christmas?
