If the words “Christmas is coming!” inspire dread rather than joy, you are not alone. ADHD can make ‘simple’ everyday activities like remembering your shopping list difficult never mind the huge expectations that come with organizing the ‘perfect’ holiday celebration or visiting family who still don’t understand you or your child’s ADHD. Add in a dash of school-free weeks where your children are out of school and therefore, out of routine, topped with a sprinkle of winter weather that might keep them indoors for days on end, it’s no surprise that you feel like pulling the covers over your head and mumbling, “Wake me up again in January.”
Since hibernating isn’t actually an option, we’ve compiled a short list (nice, not naughty) with expert advice and helpful tips so you can also enjoy this season.
Biggest takeaways:
- It’s not going to be perfect…nothing is. Be kind to yourself and your kids.
- Stick to routines…you created them for excellent reasons that don’t go away during the holidays.
- Ask for help! If the holidays are going to be a lot of extra work, you need extra help and that’s ok.
11 ADHD Holiday Tips by Understood
Daily Tips: Surviving The Holidays by ADDitude
Top 10 Tips for Enjoying the Holidays with ADHD by ADDept, Thriving With ADHD
Get Ahead of Holiday Stress and Enjoy the Season by CHADD
6 Reasons Why ADHDers Don’t Like the Holidays by Untapped Brilliance
And one for getting back to real life in January:
7 Tips to Avoid Post Holiday Blues by Untapped Brilliance