12/07/2025
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๐ฝ We are LOVING this holiday season.
What can you do to make the holidays more enjoyable & engaging? Glad you asked!
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1. Gentle introductions to the crazy lights, boisterous sounds, and the hustle & bustle of the holiday season are key! Daily exposure to the holiday elements allow kids to take it all in, one small dose at a time, without feeling overwhelmed. Frequent opportunities to explore holiday activities or stimuli help kids acclimate by going at their own pace, taking breaks when they need to. No forcing participation allowed! This allows them to experience the excitement & enjoyment of it all like we do!
2. Maintaining healthy routines, such as sleep & feeding schedules is critical. Be intentional about scheduling โme timeโ or downtime for your family. The consistency in healthy routines is good for us grown-ups, too.
3. Involve them in decorating, cooking, and other holiday activities, even if itโs on a small scale. Everyone should play a role.
4. Allow for ample practice to acquire the familiarity & skills needed to experience enjoyment. That may call for a little more repetition or exposure than usual, and thatโs ok! See it as an opportunity for more memories to be made.
5. Be ok with saying โNOโ to some things. Politely decline those events that are not tailored for your unique learner. Itโs not a โNEVERโ. It might just be a โNOT YETโ. And do it guilt-free!
๐ For those who get a little down this time of year because holidays donโt always look like what you thought they wouldโฆ well, you arenโt alone! Lean on others who are experiencing a similar journey. You might be shocked at how much they needed you, too. โค๏ธ
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