The C Word

The C Word

The c word we are talking about is Christmas and I know that Christmas can be a swear word for many people especially neurodivergent people. Christmas can be a hard time but also it can be fun. 

There are many reasons why neurodivergent people may find it a struggle at Christmas and this time of year. 

Here are some of them:

• Change in routine
• Sensory
  • Tree
  • Lights
  • Tinsel
• Change in environment
  • Tree
  • Lights
  • Moved furniture
• Meet unfamiliar people
• Loud music at parties
• People may set of fireworks
• Extra mess due to wrapping paper/ presents
• Bigger groups of people
• Busier shops 

Tips

Here are some tips that may help you:

• Countdown
• Arrange events beforehand 
• Plan shopping trips
• Try and do food and gift shopping before the big rush
• Carry your survival kit
  • Ear plugs
  • Fidget toys
• Stick to one colour lights/tinsel

Christmas and Us

I asked a few neurodivergent adults about themselves at Christmas and (neurodivergent/neurotypical) parents of neurodivergent children on how they cope with Christmas. Here are their answers:

Anonymous- Female

I struggle badly with seasonal depression anyways but the change of routine definitely makes it worse. I think the fact that the living room is usually messy because of all the presents and decorations stresses me out too. The tree makes me feel trapped as it blocks the window. Because of my dyspraxia I can’t wrap to save my life so that also stresses me out. 

My Tips

Set a routine on a whiteboard and a bit of paper on days when they’re off work/school etc. also buy decor etc that is all the same style or colour so it can’t set your OCD off. Make sure all presents are bought early to avoid additional stress. Also prep food nice and early on in the day because dyspraxia and ADHD especially usually mean a messy kitchen and everything done in the wrong order and also forgetting food is in the oven

Anonymous- Female

I always look forward to Christmas as it is a special time of year and I keep it happy for me and the girls as much as possible. My happiest memories of Christmas have been time spent with my parents and extended family. I sometimes struggle with the change of routine and extra stress in the build up and during the Christmas holidays when the girls are not at school especially if the weather is bad and we can’t go out as much as we would like. My biggest source of anxiety during the festive season is the impact on my eldest daughter as some years her behaviour has been more difficult when she is out of her routine (more of an issue when she was younger) and it has been stressful for everyone else involved.

My Tips

I would say enjoy it but also take time out for yourself to wind down from the stress and excitement of it all.

Anonymous- Female

With my son he gets excited about any upcoming event especially Halloween and Christmas and birthdays. He is really excited at the moment and does daily if it’s Christmas and if Santa is coming soon. Everyday I tell him Santa will be coming soon and the night Santa is coming we leave milk out for him. 

Anonymous- Female

Both mine find it also overwhelming. We started with a small minimum fuss, not so many lights, not too many decorations and they hated the disruption of their routine, the visitors coming and going. We actually do Christmas over days, break up visitors (most of which never come any other time ). They now like the tree and some lights, not too many gifts (we also break this up over a couple of days ) so many changes, different smells break in routine is an autism nightmare for some.

My Tips

• Reduce flashing lights and decorations ,try to keep things as “normal “ as possible, so tree and a few decorations 
• Try and involve them but no pressure to put a bauble or two on the tree if they don’t even want to do one this is fine. Maybe next year 
• Could spilt Christmas over a couple of days for both visitors & gifts 
• Reduce non regular visitors. Gradually increase this slowly over the years