Making the Holidays Sparkle for Neurodiverse People

Deck the Halls, Not Your Senses: Holiday Tips for the Neurodiverse

Author

Beyond the Label
December 22, 2023

Issue 4

Hello, Beyond the Label Family! 👋

We're back with another exciting edition of the Beyond the Label Newsletter, and you won't want to miss it! 🌈

The holiday season brings so much joy, but also stress. With a little planning and tweaking of traditions, we can ensure this time of year sparkles for our neurodiverse loved ones and communities. Here are some ideas:

  • Decking the Halls: Christmas decor can sometimes feel overwhelming or stressful for neurodiverse people sensitive to sensory stimulation. When decorating, opt for soft white lights instead of strobing colors, and minimize clutter. Create a peaceful oasis.

  • Tradition Remix: Familiar traditions are comforting, but consider which ones may need to be reworked to reduce stress. Could Christmas dinner be potluck-style to share the cooking? Open just a few presents Christmas Eve instead of all? Adapt and accommodate.

  • Escape Tactics: When family time gets too noisy or crowded, have hip headphones, cozy blankets, or a separate quiet room available for sensory breaks. Discuss discreet signals your loved ones can use to communicate their need for space.

  • Sensitivity Superheroes: Enlist family members to be understanding of sensory needs. Gift comfortable clothes, noise-reducing earmuffs, weighted blankets, or other items to make the season more enjoyable.

  • Expectation Adjusters: Talk openly as a family about gift expectations, schedules, and traditions. Allow flexibility, open communication, and gentleness with each other during this emotionally-charged time.

The holidays should sparkle for all! With a little awareness and flexibility, we can find the joyful spirit of the season in ways that work for our wonderfully unique neurodiverse family and friends.

What are your thoughts? What holiday tips and insights would you add for neurodiverse individuals and families? Share your ideas and let's keep the conversation going! We want the holidays to allow everyone a chance to shine.

❝

Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.

Winston Churchill

Wishing You Joy This Holiday Season!

May the close of this year find you surrounded by the shimmering spirit of the season. As we reflect back on 2023, we're grateful for the opportunity to connect with all of you - an amazing community seeking empowerment and working to build a more inclusive world for neurodiverse individuals.

You inspire us every day with your resilience, compassion, and dedication to positive change. We hope this holiday season offers you rest, quality time with loved ones, new traditions, comforting rituals, and an abundance of understanding and support.

You deserve to feel accepted, appreciated and celebrated for who you are - without labels or limitations. May you go into 2024 standing proudly in your strengths and talents.

Thank you for being a part of Beyond the Label! 🌟

With warm holiday wishes from all of us at Beyond the Label, Sherry, Jane, and MJ

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