Holiday Tips

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by Avalonemyst

by Avalonemyst

Things to be Aware of During the Holidays

1. Noisy Shopping Centers: Stores get really noisy during the holidays, not only are there a lot of people but the stores have Christmas music playing and there are often toys making sounds as well. Even if you can handle busy crowds, the environment can still be sensory-tiring. Try limiting the time shopping trips take inside the store, and taking a quiet rest afterwards.

2. Holiday Music: Holiday Music is just about everywhere this time of year. If you have auditory processing issues, this background music can make it hard to have conversations or listen to quick comments from others around you. Best solution? Let those you are hanging out with know that you are having auditory processing difficulties.

3. Other Holiday Stresses: A lot of people get stressed during the holidays for a lot of different reasons. If you are like me, you might pick up on this, not just the verbal stress, but the nonverbal tension as well. Ask yourself, "Am I stressed because I have something to be stressed about or am I stressed because I am picking up the tension in the environment?" Try to spend some time by yourself if possible doing something that helps you cope.(decompression)

4. End of the Semester Stress: A lot of schools end the semester for the December holidays. This can cause stress as well not only do you have the stress from the changing schedule from school to holiday, but for me it's often the draining or letting go of any built up stress that I've carried through the semester. I tend to get grumpy, crabby and on edge. I am often overly sensitive and more prone to meltdowns. The solution? Spend time doing things that you enjoy and find relaxing. Don't be afraid to take naps or take sensory breaks. Understand that this is a transitional time but that you will get through it.

5. Gift Stress: For those of us who tend to struggle with time management, having a limited time to find and give gifts by Christmas Day can also be stressful. For example, having someone slap our name on a group gift and then telling us five minutes before the gift is given to Aunt Enda "By the way Youare giving Aunt Edna this one!" Is not helpful. If you are a parent/caregiver talk about what might be good gifts before the gift giving occurs, let your child/Teen/person know well ahead of time that a group gift from "the family" will include them. On the other hand, for those of you who like to give personalized and individual gifts, there are a couple of strategies. First, try to start shopping and planning for holiday gifts early on or throughout the whole year. (This can be hard if you have a hard time with future planning). Secondly, look towards handmade items even if they are lopsided and covered in glitter. If you've worked hard at it, most adults will enjoy this type of gift. Third, the local dollar store is your friend. It is a good place for stocking stuffers and fun items. (Be careful though you will almost always spend more money than you planned on). For time management during the holidays I suggest a visible calendar (this can be a monthly view or a paper chain) and an adult who is good at time management. Let the adult/caregiver/parent do the worrying about things being ready, not you.

6. Big Family Dinners: Eating together at a table can be stressful especially if it's with people you only see at the holidays. Not only is the meal noisy, but also very unpredictable, with many variables disguised as cheerful guests! One way that can lower the stress for yourself at the table is to make sure that there are 'safe' foods at the table. (These are sensory foods that are enjoyable.) Another way to easy dining time stress is to make sure you have access to an exit if you need to take a break. Make sure the adult guests know why you might leave before hand and that you'll rejoin them when you are able. (The bathroom excuse should be used sparingly) Have a small hand fidget at the table and use it. Another tactic is visualize the meal ahead of time and if possible walk through possible conversation topics with another member of the family. (Do NOT USE SCRIPTS this will only cause confusion when the conversation deviates!) Last tip look at the seating arrangements and seat yourself appropriately.

I hope that these tips help and that you have a somewhat stress reduced holiday season!