Tips For A More Successful Sensory Christmas! 

- Keep a routine as much as possible. Using visual schedules can be helpful so that your child knows what is happening throughout their day and week.

- Enjoy short and simple sensory activities.

- It's okay to have only close family over for Christmas or no company at all.

- If you do go out for Christmas, explain your child's sensory challenges to everyone ahead of time.

- Have a quiet room or space for your child to be alone when they get overwhelmed.

- Take your child's sensory tools to gatherings or events.

- It's okay to leave events and gatherings early. Watch for your child's signals to see how they are doing.

- Shopping when you have Sensory Processing Disorder can be unbearable and overwhelming. Try to shop without your child if possible or shop in smaller shops with less people.

- Try to make Christmas Day last for several days or a week. You can start opening presents at the beginning of the month. It is less overwhelming for children to gradually open their gifts.

- Most areas have a sensory Santa, it's better to schedule a time as a visit to Santa can be too overwhelming for children with Sensory Processing Disorder.

- If you are going out to dinner, bring your child's choice of foods because most will not eat what is being served for Christmas dinner.

- Read social stories to prepare your child for Christmas events and gatherings.

- When you notice your child is coping well, praise them as much as possible.

- Stick to your child's sensory diet as much as possible during the holidays to keep them regulated.

- Allow time for scheduled sensory breaks and exercise.

- Bring your child's noise cancelling headphones.

- Bring an iPad or tablet if your child uses one. This may be helpful to keep them busy and they could listen to earphones to avoid most noise.

- Lower expectations as most children with Sensory Processing Disorder will have meltdowns during holiday events and dinners as they get overwhelmed.

- Try to include your child with decorating the tree and home decorations but remember flashing lights or musical decorations can cause your child to have sensory overload.

- Keep Christmas decorations on the walls and in doorways limited and simple. Gradually add them to your home as decorations and changes can be overwhelming to a child who has Sensory Processing Disorder.

- If your child doesn't want to open gifts in front of others, try to respect that.

- I know as a parent that you want your child to enjoy Christmas events but how everyone else enjoys it will be different from how your child enjoys it.

- Before attending events, make a signal or sign that your child can use to let you know when it's too much for them.

- Don't be afraid to say no to having visitors over. If you do have visitors, it's okay to have a time limit.

- Don't force the Christmas on your child that you want to have. Be understanding of their sensory needs.

- Allow time for your child to run, jump, spin or swing as much as they need too during the holidays.

- Smells at Christmas can be strong; sounds can be too loud, and lights can be too bright.

- Less can be best. Too much of anything can be overwhelming for a child who has Sensory Processing Disorder, and they will have meltdowns.

- Enjoy yourself! Have a glass of wine and enjoy a Christmas that works for your family. It doesn't need to work for everyone else.