Sensory Help Now

For months, we are confronted with Christmas everywhere we go. Often, from the moment Halloween decorations are taken down, or even before that, we see Christmas items on sale in shops and decorations in streets and shopping centres. It is also quite usual for schools to spend the weeks leading up to Christmas being involved in numerous festive activities, including school productions, pantomimes and Christmas dinners.

Children also spend time getting excited about Christmas and gifts and then, in a flash, it is all over. After weeks of build-up, the day can pass quite quickly for children. For many children with sensory processing differences, it can be difficult to come down from the hype of an event that they have been looking forward to for a long time and which has then passed so quickly for them. In terms of gifts, it is also important to manage expectations beforehand but that is a different topic!

The first thing to consider is how we, as adults, co-regulate the children around us. Remember that many children take their cues from the adults around them, especially those closest to them. We can set an example by explaining the importance of spending time together and the meaning of the holidays as well as giving everyone space for downtime. Whilst it can be tempting to cram in a lot before Christmas, having enough time and space to relax can help children manage the comedown after Christmas.

When all the excitement of gift-giving and social events winds down, some children can get a case of the blues that lasts for days. This can be especially true for an only child who might have enjoyed interacting with friends and families over the Christmas period and then find themselves quite lonely after Christmas.

Psychologists recommend that we treat these emotions as a wave and give children the space to let their emotions flow in order to move on. Another tip for preparing for the new year is to start easing children slowly into their usual routines after Christmas. By embracing regular schedules in terms of bath time, bedtime and meals before school restarts also makes the transition into the new year much easier.

Finally, try to make time for a few quieter days after Christmas. Not only will this help get everybody back into their routines quicker but it will also bring a little more peace and quiet to the holidays.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas!

Best wishes

Lelanie

PS If you’re also looking for some suggestions on how to help your children or teens with sensory processing differences manage the changes and challenges brought about during the festive season, have a read of our ‘Coping with Christmas Sensory Challenges’ blog.

Sensory Snapshot is a regular series by Advanced SI Practitioner and OT Lelanie Brewer. Lelanie gained her MSc in OT at Brunel University, London, and is pursuing a PhD with Newcastle University. Experienced in the NHS, charity and private sectors, as well as being a UK university senior lecturer, Lelanie is the Lead for Continuous Professional Development at Sensory Integration Education.