🎄 Holiday Calm Tips for Kids: Part 2 — More Simple Strategies for a Peaceful, Joyful Season

If you loved Part 1 of our Holiday Calm Tips, you’re going to adore Part 2 — because today we’re diving even deeper into how to support ADHD, autistic, and sensory-sensitive children during the busiest season of the year.

The holidays come with excitement, bright lights, new routines, family gatherings, and LOTS of transitions. For neurodiverse kids, this can create overwhelm fast — but a few intentional supports can turn the season into one filled with calm, connection, and confidence.

Here are five more gentle, neurodiversity-affirming holiday tips to help your child thrive.

🌟 1. Create a “Holiday Safe Space” (Your Calm Corner for December)

Even during celebrations, kids need a place to reset.
Choose a quiet spot and add:

• a soft blanket

• favorite stuffed animal

• noise-canceling headphones

• fidgets

• visual calm-down choices

• a small sign that says “Break Space”

Let your child know:
✨ “This is your space to feel safe anytime you need it.”

A designated calm space can prevent sensory overwhelm from turning into meltdowns.

🎨 2. Use Holiday Themed Emotion Cards

Kids communicate better with visuals — especially when emotions run high.
Holiday-themed emotion cards help kids answer questions like:

• “How are you feeling?”

• “Do you need a break?”

• “What would help right now?”

This replaces guesswork with clarity — and builds emotional awareness.

(Your Holiday Calm System includes emotion tools for Halloween, Thanksgiving, AND Christmas.)

🕒 3. Keep a Predictable Holiday Rhythm (Not a Strict Schedule)

A full schedule overwhelms kids — but a gentle rhythm grounds them.

A simple rhythm could be:

Morning movement → Breakfast → Activity → Calm time → Lunch → Outside time → Device time → Dinner → Wind-down

Consistency brings calm.
Predictable rhythm = fewer meltdowns, smoother days.

🎁 4. Limit Surprises (Even Fun Ones!)

Surprises can be wonderful… or stressful.
For many neurodiverse kids, unexpected things = lack of control.

Try previewing holiday changes:

• “We’ll be going to Nana’s today.”

• “There will be bright lights and music.”

• “We’ll leave after dinner.”

• “If you need a break, we’ll take one.”

Previewing builds security and reduces anxiety.

🍪 5. Use ‘First–Then’ Visuals During Busy Days

Holiday events often require lots of transitions.

First–Then visuals help clarify expectations:

• First dinner, then cookies.

• First clean-up, then play.

• First photos, then break time.

First–Then boards shift the emotional load from the adult to the visual — easing resistance and helping kids follow along with less stress.

(Your Holiday Calm System includes First–Then boards for every holiday theme.)

🎄 The Holiday Calm System was designed for ADHD, autistic, and sensory-sensitive kids who need structure, visual support, and gentle emotional tools during the busiest season of the year.

Inside You’ll Get:

🎃 Halloween Calm & Fun Kit
🦃 Thanksgiving Calm & Gratitude Kit
🎄 Christmas Calm Kit
✨ Visual schedules
✨ Calm choice boards
✨ Emotion charts
✨ First–Then visuals
✨ Sensory strategy tools
✨ Predictable routine helpers

Everything you need for a calm, connected holiday season — all in one easy bundle.

👉 Get the Holiday Calm System here