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How to make Christmas magical and traditions.

7 replies

Christmasandallthetrimmings · 17/12/2024 11:36

I'm wondering how I can make Christmas feel special throughout the day/period, with an autistic/ADHD daughter. She's not excited by the things I was as a child, like the Xmas eve carol service, walking around to look at the lights, Christmas tree in Trafalgar square. We can't have presents under a tree in the build up, as she can't cope with waiting. She doesn't like watching films, or nice christmassy TV shows, like the snowman etc. although I will take her to the carol service because I love it, she won't feel the magic of it. We've got the elf but she gets angry at him a lot, although I make sure he doesn't do anything naughty- she doesn't like him touching our things.

It's only the two of us as well, so once she's opened all her presents in the AM, I'm not sure what else we can do to make it feel special and different to the rest of the year.

Just wondering what other autistic children like doing?

OP posts:
Ohthatsabitshit · 17/12/2024 13:18

what about a Christmas bath? You could buy crazy Christmas themed bath toys, do bubble bath, light dimmed fake candles or a projection the ceiling, eat something ridiculous in the bath.

Ohthatsabitshit · 17/12/2024 13:19

Other weird activities like, making scenes out of marshmallows and then microwaving them😆

TeamPolin · 17/12/2024 13:40

What are her special interests? Can you put a Christmas twist on them. My son loves music so we make Christmas playlists. He also loves trains so on Christmas Eve we snuggle up under blankets and eat cookies whilst watching the Polar Express...

Christmasandallthetrimmings · 17/12/2024 15:04

TeamPolin · 17/12/2024 13:40

What are her special interests? Can you put a Christmas twist on them. My son loves music so we make Christmas playlists. He also loves trains so on Christmas Eve we snuggle up under blankets and eat cookies whilst watching the Polar Express...

She just likes playing Roblox 😂

OP posts:
Christmasandallthetrimmings · 17/12/2024 15:05

Ohthatsabitshit · 17/12/2024 13:18

what about a Christmas bath? You could buy crazy Christmas themed bath toys, do bubble bath, light dimmed fake candles or a projection the ceiling, eat something ridiculous in the bath.

This sounds fun I like this idea....I mean, she only stays five minutes in the bath before she's bored, even with the toys and bubble bath, but might be fun if I get her to help me set it up ..I have a bubble machine also

OP posts:
openupmyeagereyes · 17/12/2024 19:19

How old is she?

-Christmas baking
-Making salt dough ornaments and garlands. You can paint them
too.
-Christmassy walk at NT place or similar. She might do a scavenger hunt if you print off a list.
-most of these also do evening winter lights displays.
-some soft play centres do a Christmas party.
-play Christmas themed board games. Orchard toys have loads or there are older ones.

Words · 18/12/2024 18:26

I wouldn't bother making it feel 'magical' or special at all. Your child obviously isn't interested and maybe you are just piling on the pressure.

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