Christmas was never my favourite time of year. It's supposed to be the merry season, but why for years did I end up overwhelmed and in tears?
I found the Christmas season so difficult having young children, one of them with Autism. Routine is always so important to keep the environment predictable and children calm, especially when it comes to children with Autism. They do not like a disrupted routine, socialising too much or mixing with copious amounts of family and friends in a variety of different places. The school year has just finished (which is tiring enough) it is just exhausting for everyone, especially for our Autistic children. Many things this time of year can often trigger meltdowns or emotional outbursts. Children are tired, sensory overload is happening everywhere we look, parents are tired and everyone's patience is wearing very thin, making dealing with meltdowns just that extra bit harder.
For years I tried to catch up with family and very friend we had for the festive season. I had every Friday and Saturday booked for all of December - we were all tired before it began. Not to mention having a Christmas Eve dinner and then three different events Christmas Day.
I have finally learnt….
It’s ok to say no.
If the event timing or venue doesn’t suit our family or we are tired or overwhelmed, we politely decline the invitation or even pullout on the day of the event and it has taken me years not to feel guilty about this.
We have found it is so important to keep recharged during the festive season to manage our emotions. Zac in particular needs time to recoup and regain his energy.
We now also spread the Christmas cheer throughout November and even catch up with people in January rather than cramming it all into December. Other people often feel as exhausted as us and they really do understand.
Saying no and managing our time during this notoriously busy period now means it is one of my favourites times of year. I have gone from being a Grinch to being festive and merry during this fabulous time of year.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours, stay safe and remember it’s ok to say no x
