Dear Grown-Ups: This is How You Can Make Christmas Easier for Me

This is a great post to share with grandparents, aunts, uncles, or friends that may be hosting a Christmas celebration.  Maybe they are not sure how to accommodate young children who have some sensory needs.  These tips will make the holidays more enjoyable, not only for the children, but for everyone!

Dear Grown-ups,

As we get ready for all of our holiday get togethers, let’s remember to give our children a CHOICE and a VOICE. Don’t make them hug anyone they don’t want to.

Grown-ups, the best thing you can do is sit on the floor and play. Do what the children are doing. Let those nieces, nephews, and grandkids warm up to you. Play with cars, rock the baby doll, and draw on the paper. That quality time will not be forgotten. Plus play will be good for you, too 🥰

—photo disclaimer: my daughter totally initiated this hug with her daddy ❤️

Dear Grown-ups,

I know you want the Christmas dinner spread to be Pinterest perfect.

If you are hosting children with food sensitivities or food aversions, go ahead and make everyone happy by fixing one of their tried and true favorites.

Ask what you can have on hand.

🍽 apple sauce pouches

🍽 mac n cheese

🍽 Ramen

🍽 What would make your kiddo’s list?

If it makes you feel more festive, serve it in a fancy bowl 🙂

Dear Grown-ups,

I know you have so many fun things planned for me today.

The day will be a little out of my routine. I will able to enjoy myself even more if I know what to expect.

You can show me what will happen on our special day by using a visual schedule or a first/then board.

You can use this printable: click here

Dear Grown-ups,

As you plan this year’s get together, set up a quiet room for the children coming to visit.

This room can be used for sensory breaks or even naps!

Put a few pillows and blankets in there with a basket full of books. Bonus points if you can provide some white noise (fan, sound machine, white noise app on an iPad).

Sometimes all the hustle and bustle can be too much, and your guests may just need a place to regroup.

Dear Grown-ups,

As you plan this year’s get together, set up a quiet room for the children coming to visit.

This room can be used for sensory breaks or even naps!

Put a few pillows and blankets in there with a basket full of books. Bonus points if you can provide some white noise (fan, sound machine, white noise app on an iPad).

Sometimes all the hustle and bustle can be too much, and your guests may just need a place to regroup.

Dear Grown-ups,

After my last post about allowing children to open gifts where and when they are comfortable, I know you may be a little concerned about offending those great aunts and family friends.

Are you worried that it will appear rude if your children open the gifts on their own time?

Take a photo of your children enjoying the gift in the days to come. Snap candid pictures or posed picture. Whichever your children prefer.

Dear Grown-ups,

I know we will look so adorable in our coordinated outfits as we sit in front of the tree, but please bring me some comfy clothes to change into.

I don’t like the way those tights squeeze my belly or the way that tag itches my neck.

Sometimes it is way too hot for my cute Christmas sweater in a house filled with people.

👕Go ahead and pack a bag now. Even if your kiddo is past the bathroom accident phase, throw in an entire change (socks, underwear, pull-up, pants, shirt). You never know what is going to happen.

👕 Pack for different temperatures. I was the kid who was always HOT

👕Pack some pajamas. You can change into these before the trip home...or whenever your child wants to be comfy.

Get your cute picture op and then let your child be cozy on Christmas. Trust me, I always choose comfy over fancy for myself! I’m sure your children will, too.