Tips to help navigate Christmas
Christmas can be a joyful time, but for children and young people with SEND, it can also be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to help make the season calmer and more manageable for everyone.
Between the noise, bright lights, busy schedules, and endless expectations, it’s easy to feel stressed at Christmas time.
You don’t need a “perfect” Christmas to make it enjoyable. Focusing on calm, connection, and realistic expectations can make the festive season manageable and even joyful.
Our services team shares some tips to help:
Lower expectations (this is key)
It’s okay if your Christmas looks different from other families. Pick 1–2 traditions that matter most and let the rest go.
Remember: a calm, happy child is more important than perfect photos, routines, or events.
Keep structure where you can
Stick to your usual wake-up, mealtime, and bedtime routines as much as possible. Use a visual schedule for Christmas Day – pictures, symbols, or simple words work well.
Give your child clear expectations about what’s happening next and when activities will end.
Prepare in advance
Talk through Christmas plans beforehand.
Tools that help:
- Social stories
- Countdown calendars
- Photos of people and places they’ll see
Practice scenarios like opening presents or visitors arriving; it’s okay if your child prefers to do things at their own pace.
Manage sensory overload
Christmas can be bright, noisy, and overwhelming. Some ways to help are:
- Limit decorations if needed (twinkling lights, music, or crowds can be intense).
- Use headphones, ear defenders, sunglasses, or keep lighting low.
- Comfortable clothing is more important than a “festive outfit.”
- Provide a quiet space where your child can retreat to, even in other people’s homes, having a plan in place can really help.
Rethink presents
Fewer presents can mean less overwhelm.
Try opening gifts in stages, over several days, with breaks in between.
Accept that your child might play with the box instead of the toy, ignore the presents, or focus on one item repeatedly.
Food flexibility
Keep familiar, safe foods available. Don’t force Christmas dinner – let your child eat earlier, later, or separately if needed. Snacks and familiar foods help reduce stress.
Plan for visitors and outings
Set time limits on visits. Warn visitors about your child’s needs and boundaries (no forced hugs or interactions).
Have an exit plan for outings, even short ones.
Regulation breaks
Build in time for screen breaks, movement, or favourite activities.
Remember: meltdowns or heightened emotions are not “bad behaviour”, they’re your child’s way of communicating.
Give yourself permission to say no
It’s okay to cancel plans at the last minute.
It’s okay to stay home.
It’s okay if family members don’t fully understand – standing up for your child is advocating, not being difficult.
After Christmas care
Exhaustion may occur once the festivities are over, so try to keep the days quiet between Christmas and New Year.
Return to routines as soon as possible; taking down decorations quickly may help some children settle.
A gentle reminder
A successful Christmas isn’t about perfection – it’s about wellbeing. Your Christmas is a success if everyone feels safe and supported.
Do your own version of Christmas.