‘Tis the season for celebration, good cheer and overwhelm: some ideas on making Christmas magical for everyone.

Article

13 Nov

*A young girl with short blonde hair and a pink hoodie looks up to the sky with a look of wonder on her face.*

The holiday season is just around the corner, and with its promise of sparkling lights and joyous carols, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement. Even though this is a magical time of year for some, we know that it can be hard for many people in our community.

We wanted to share some tools, tips and tricks to help every member of our community navigate this festive season. Hopefully, they help us focus on what really matters: having fun with family and friends (on our own terms). Let's make the holidays a time for everyone to enjoy and embrace the magic of the season.

Simplifying holiday tasks

During the busy holiday season, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done. It can help to take a step back and find easy ways to simplify tasks.

So, how do we turn a to-do list into a 'ta-da' list? First, we suggest making a list of jobs early on and breaking them up into manageable pieces. Preparation is the key to a smooth festive season. Think about setting aside certain days to do specific tasks, like decorating on one day and making meals on another. Ticking off smaller, more manageable tasks can help you feel more in control.

The use of assistive technology and devices can help manage organisational tasks. Voice-activated software, apps or even a calendar or whiteboard can manage reminders and to-do lists. Ergonomic tools can turn wrapping gifts into an activity that’s both comfortable and joyful. Additionally, home assistants like Alexa or Google Home can be used to set reminders, play relaxing music, or even control smart lights. This can help create a festive atmosphere without the fuss.

For many, the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping can be overwhelming. This is why online shopping is a blessing, especially for those who experience sensory overload or have mobility concerns. Online shops like The Chooze Shop mean you can pick out gifts from the comfort of your home (just keep in mind shipping cut off dates!). When it comes to grocery shopping, you might want to take advantage of the 'quiet hours' offered by Coles and Woolworths. These hours are designed to create a less stimulating shopping environment. Both also offer click and collect or home delivery, which may be more convenient.

And let’s not forget the power of asking for help. Getting your friends and family to help you with holiday preparations not only makes the job easier, but it also makes it more fun. After all, the holidays are about togetherness, and there's no task so small that it can't be shared.

The aim is to make the holidays more about the moments than the tasks. With each job that is made easier, we make room for self-care, friends and the real spirit of the holiday season.

Establishing Relaxing Holiday Routines

We know that life doesn't stop for the holidays. In fact, when things get busy, the need for relaxation and self-care can become even more clear. We recommend creating a peaceful routine that works for you. Below, we’ve listed a few suggestions for creating a relaxing holiday routine:

Morning Mindfulness: To gently wake up the body in the morning, try a peaceful meditation. This can be done in any position that's comfortable for you. Starting your day with a set of gentle stretches can also help boost your circulation and set a positive tone for the day ahead.

Evening Wind Down: Spend a little bit of dedicated time relaxing before bed. You can do guided breathing exercises or use sensory-friendly tools that calm you down and get you ready for a good night's sleep. Even 15 minutes of reading a book or listening to calming music can be a powerful way to centre your thoughts and melt away the day's stress.

Technology for Peace: Using apps or YouTube videos that provide soothing images and sounds to turn any room into a peaceful haven. This can be ideal for times when the holiday excitement becomes overwhelming.

Refuelling yourself: Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. With all the holiday commitments, it can be easy to let hobbies fall by the wayside. Remember to make your hobbies a personal priority. Or, it might be a great time to try something new! Crafts and art are not only good for the soul; they can double as thoughtful gifts for loved ones.

This time of year can also act as a reminder about how important it is to take care of ourselves, especially during times of stress and change. Remember to also set boundaries; we don't need to say yes to everything!

Sharing the Holiday Spirit

The holidays bring out a special kind of kinship and give us a chance to extend our warmth to more people in our community. Especially when it comes to volunteering and community involvement! Think about putting on or attending events with accessibility in mind. It could be as small as a virtual card-making session for local hospitals. Or a 'bake from home' event where people can contribute homemade treats to a communal feast.

For those excited to get out in the community, volunteering at charity drives and food banks are a wonderful way to share holiday spirit. Even a community decoration day where everyone can contribute to making the community spaces festive! And if you're musically inclined, community choirs accept voices of all types and levels of skill.

The holidays can be a tough time for some, which makes it even more important to connect with others and get help. Peer support groups are good place to start. Perhaps finding a "Holiday Buddy" system where you can exchange supporting messages or calls. Join online communities like Kinora to share your festive (or not so festive) stories or get help with common Diwali/Thanksgiving/Christmas/Kwanza/New Year challenges. Sharing traditions and holiday memories through stories is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer.

This can be a great time for connection, reflection, and joy. It can remind us of the strength found in community and the comfort of traditions new and old. We hope that these tips help you enjoy the holidays with peace of mind and an open heart. Have a wonderful holiday season filled with the joy of family and friends and the support of your community.

The Chooze Shop believe that everyone, regardless of their disability, should have easier access to the tools and resources they need to live their lives to the fullest.

It’s always a good idea to seek advice and information about any assistive tech you are considering, to ensure it meets your needs and is safe. Talk to AT experts such as your occupational therapist or anyone on your treating health team.