Survival tips for Christmas Day for kids with sensory challenges

Christmas day and its celebrations can be fraught with many emotions ranging from elation and laughter, to tears and tantrums. For our clients it can be even more challenging to cope with due to sensory sensitivities and eating challenges. Meeting and greeting relatives, eating strange food at unfamiliar places, and travelling by car or plane can be a source of overload. Planning ahead may help ease the challenge.

Give these a try:

1. Tell them where you are going for Christmas day and who will be there. Using photos of people will help.

2. Educate relatives ahead of time re your child’s sensory sensitivities e.g. if your child dislikes hugs and kisses, a handshake or a high 5 may be a suggested option. This may prevent relatives from being ‘offended’ if their kiss/hug was declined.

3. For very fussy eaters take along familiar snacks and preferred foods for them to eat. Serve some of the child preferred foods for the main meal so they are able to participate in the celebration.

3. Have a snack before attending a big event.

4. Take a break by going for a walk around the block or have a play at the local park. 

5. Have your OT help you set up a ‘calm kit’ of objects to take to events such as fidget objects, snacks to suck or chew, weighted items, visual tools, headphones etc.

Preparation and planning is vital.