Holiday traditions often come from family, culture, or the collective imagination of people who apparently thrive on noise, social events, and last-minute chaos. But for many neurodivergent folks, the classic holiday routine can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and just a little bit too much! So, today, we want to offer seven neurodivergent-friendly holiday traditions anyone can give a chance this holiday season.
Schedule Rest Days
For neurodivergent individuals, rest is essential. Adding designated “do nothing” days to the calendar can help make the month feel more manageable. These selected days are a commitment to yourself to recharge, so no pencilling in last minute invites. Consider them just as you would any other obligation and enjoy the downtime.
Create a Designated Wrapping Space
Don’t make a mess in every corner of your home! Create a designated space in your home for all your holiday wrapping. Set yourself up with everything you need, making it easy to come and go as you please. This helps save time (and energy) searching for items like scissors and tape. This way, when you are finished wrapping, you can clean up the area and move on with your life.
Create a Sensory-Friendly Holiday Corner
A soft-lit, low-sensory nook can make the season feel far less hectic. This could include warm lights, cozy textures, comforting scents (if you like), and relaxing sounds (ditch the jingle bells here). Allow this space in your home to become a grounding space during a season that often feels overwhelming.
Give Gifts Based on Hyperfixations
Instead of forcing creativity or braving crowded stores, embrace your hyperfixation and use them to your advantage. Whether you are currently enthusiastic about baking, crafting, or houseplants, letting your interests guide your gift-giving makes the process easy and enjoyable. You can also offer your expertise to the gift receiver, allowing you to share your love with others!
Rewatch Your Favourite Holiday Comfort Movie
Sometimes it’s necessary to find familiarity and comfort amidst the holiday buzz. So, grab your favourite snack, cozy up with all the blankets and pillows you need, and rewatch a movie you always enjoy. This can provide stability, calmness, and joy, giving you a reset as you navigate seasonal cheer and magic.
Prepare Some Options
Social events can sometimes feel daunting. To alleviate the stress and anxiety that is often associated with socializing, it’s helpful to prepare an exit strategy in advance. This could involve locating a quiet space in the house, interacting with the host’s pet, or having a valid reason to leave the event. Having these options ready can provide the comfort you need when you start to feel overwhelmed.
Set and Honour Your Boundaries
The holiday season looks different for everybody. As we dive into the hustle and bustle of the season, it’s important to establish and respect your boundaries. Whether it’s letting someone know you can’t join or admitting you need some time to recharge during gatherings, it’s key to prioritize your mental health.
These neurodivergent-friendly traditions are excellent ways to bring comfort and balance into an otherwise overstimulating season. With a little intention and compassion, the holidays can feel calmer, cozier, and much more enjoyable.
