The holiday season is filled with excitement—decorations, gatherings, school breaks, and special traditions. While these moments can be joyful, they can also be challenging for children who thrive on routine, predictability, and familiar environments. Changes in schedules, social expectations, and sensory input can feel overwhelming, especially for children with developmental delays, sensory differences, or emotional regulation challenges.
At Eastern Therapy, we often see an increase in questions from parents during December about how to support their child through these transitions. The good news is that with a little preparation, the holidays can be more manageable—and enjoyable—for everyone.
Managing Changes in Routine
During the school year, children rely heavily on predictable daily routines. Holiday breaks can disrupt sleep schedules, mealtimes, and expectations, which may lead to increased meltdowns, anxiety, or difficulty with transitions.
To help:
- Keep core routines consistent when possible, such as bedtime and mealtimes.
- Use visual schedules or simple daily plans to show what the day will look like.
- Prepare your child ahead of time for changes by talking through upcoming events or travel plans.
Even small elements of predictability can help children feel more secure during busy weeks.
Supporting Transitions Between Activities
Holiday events often involve frequent transitions—moving from one house to another, shifting between activities, or ending preferred tasks. For some children, these transitions can be especially difficult.
Strategies that can help include:
- Giving advance warnings (“In 5 minutes, we’re going to clean up and leave”).
- Using transition objects, such as a favorite toy or comfort item.
- Allowing extra time so transitions don’t feel rushed or stressful.
Occupational therapists often focus on helping children build flexibility and coping skills around transitions, which can be especially helpful during the holidays.
Navigating Social Situations
Family gatherings and holiday parties bring new social expectations, unfamiliar people, and increased noise or stimulation. For children who struggle with social interactions or sensory processing, these environments can be overwhelming.
Helpful tips include:
- Setting clear expectations before events (how long you’ll stay, where quiet spaces are, and what behaviors are expected).
- Offering breaks or quiet time away from the group when needed.
- Advocating for your child by communicating their needs with family members ahead of time.
Remember, it’s okay if your child doesn’t participate in every activity or tradition. Meeting them where they are helps build confidence and emotional safety.
When Extra Support Is Helpful
If the holiday season consistently brings increased stress, behavioral challenges, or regression in skills, therapy can provide valuable support. Pediatric occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy can help children develop strategies for self-regulation, communication, and coping with change.
At Eastern Therapy, we work closely with families to support children through transitions—not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. Our goal is to help children build skills that allow them to participate more comfortably in everyday routines and meaningful moments.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. With patience, preparation, and support, families can create positive experiences that work for everyone
