Christmas as neurodivergent - support thread

[PuppyKeep]

It's that time of year again - chaos, mess, noise.

Does anyone have any useful strategies for surviving (or even enjoying) the day?

I'm AuDHD (autistic with ADHD) and I find Christmas Day quite an ordeal. My biggest hardship is the amount and type of people involved - having to make fake/awkward conversation with family members you wouldn't ordinarily choose to spend time with - for hours on end. Masking fatigue. The struggle is real.

Sounds lovely.

My parents, sister and brother are all enquiring about my plans ie dont want me on my own. I am happy with being on my own. A long run / eat what I wat rather than what tradition dictates and then some TV.

My kids will either stay with me and go to their dad's boxing day or the other way round.

Just want to get the family off my back. I can't even lie as the kids are all in the whats ap group

Is there a way you can have the morning or afternoon with your dc and meet up with husband and extended family for a shoryer part of the day?

Or can you take regular breaks? Dogs and smoking are good for this.

She can opt out but she can’t opt out on behalf of her husband and his children

I agree, she didn't say she wanted him to opt out from seeing his children though, did she?

Not opt out of seeing them but definitely shrinking the christmases they enjoy (her husband also enjoys bigger christmases).

Also AuDHD and children are a combination of AuDHD or autistic. DH is autistic and so is FIL. Pretty sure my parents aren’t NT. Even the cats are antisocial!

We are just planning, as every year, to muddle through as best we can and hope the meltdowns, shutdowns and emotions are generally minimised wherever we can.

Our AuDHD child particularly struggles with excitement so we let her open presents gradually through December.

Why bother posting on this thread to just tell us all it’s tough and just get on with it.
same reasons yes. Different scale of effect however.

I think I'm the opposite to a lot of posters on here...I'm autistic but I bloody love Christmas. I've had my tree up and room decorated since September. In the 'off season' I frequent a Christmas forum, watch Christmas films and shows, read Christmas books...I have had the presents bought and wrapped unnder the tree too. Have in the Christmas chocolate and non alcoholic drinks. I'm obsessed.
😂
However, I do get stressed about cooking the Christmas dinner so I'm doing a practice run in a couple of weeks time. I don't eat meat but my brother, who I'll be hosting, has requested chicken which I've never cooked before. This is my first year in 20 years I'll also be cooking on an electric oven/hob (Moved here a few months ago having previously lived in accomodation with a gas cooker.) so want to practise because of that too.
I must admit, although I buy gifts for 7 people none of them are children so I don't have that pressure on me.