Text Box: Throughout the holiday season there are many stressors that we all encounter. In making last minute preparations you may relate and enjoy the entertainment of this clip of Christmas Chaos The following tips were provided by Amanda Bell in hopes that they will be helpful in preparing for the holiday season with your children. Minimizing Holiday Stress Simplify Let go of unrealistic expectations, particularly the desire for perfection Invest your energies wisely Tips for Gift Giving Set a holiday budget. Do not equate love with cost and quantity of gifts. Consider giving the gift of your time and service. Ask people what they want instead of searching for the perfect gift. Shop early so there is more of a selection and you have time to really choose Don't head toward the mall in 5 o'clock traffic or during peak times. Shop on the Internet. Allow the autistic child to open gifts at his/her leisure Practice gift-giving and receiving using a social story Consider a gift opening “system” that reduces overstimulation Entertaining Guests Who says the house has to be perfectly clean or elaborately decorated? Who says you need to serve a gourmet meal? Ask others to bring their favorite dish. Use paper plates. Buy prepared foods. Cook and freeze foods ahead of time. Think simple, and focus on the purpose of the get together. Let family/friends know about special diets ahead of time and provide recipes or already prepared dishes Consider celebrating at others’ homes so that you are free to leave if and when a tantrum or meltdown occurs Family Time Evaluate past holidays and traditions, and consider any changes in the family structure (e.g., marriages, remarriages, divorce). Be flexible and willing to let go of ideas of the way things "should be." Share responsibilities so the pressure does not fall on one person (e.g., rotate homes, potluck). Plan to visit some friends and family soon after the holidays. There is no need to squeeze everything in before the New Year Don't get hung up on celebrating on the actual holiday. Time together is what matters. Allow enough time to relax and recover after visiting with others. Children need this, too. Tell your family about your commitments so you are not struggling against their expectations. Travel after rush hour. When driving long distances, give yourself time to stop and rest Managing Your Time Consider past holidays and where you invested your energy. Decide to rid yourself of the things you dislike about the holidays. Don't spend the holidays just fulfilling obligations. Pick and chose what you want to do rather than what you think others expect you to do. Set priorities and let go of impossible goals. Don't try to complete everything at once. Don't over-schedule yourself and your family. Leave some time unplanned to relax and just be at home with each other. Don't accept every invitation. Chose the events you want to attend. Ask others to help you complete chores. (Don't wait until offered; you may be disappointed.) Take breaks. Encourage the autistic child and siblings to make and manage their own holiday calendars Travel Plans Be realistic about your child’s ability to travel and determine the most efficient mode Plan ahead using a visual schedule Make a “Happy Sack” including items that stimulate and relax the senses Contact disability services at the airport if needed (www.ifly.com) Plan adequate breaks Take Care of You Get adequate sleep. Eat regular meals. Don't abandon your exercise routine. Plan pleasurable activities each day. Don't let your "to-do" list control you. Set realistic goals for yourself. Spend time with supportive people. Take breaks. Rest when your body tells you to. Practice relaxation exercises (i.e., stretching, deep breathing, yoga, meditation).

December 2011

Issue 24

Carolina Center for Counseling

& Behavioral Interventions, LLC

Contact Information

 

421 South East Main St.

Suite 201

Simpsonville, SC 29681

 

 

www.cccbi.net

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