Christmas and autism can throw a few curveballs our way! I absolutely love Christmas, but as the big day approaches, our home turns into a whirlwind of chaos

With decorations changing, excitement buzzing, and meltdowns popping up like holiday lights, it’s a real adventure with five unique individuals, each on their own spectrum journey!

Some of us are like vampires when it comes to lights—no flashing allowed! So, we dim things down to keep the peace. And oh, the scent drama! Each of us has our own fragrance tolerance, which means candles are officially banned from our holiday festivities (sorry, family, but no flowery surprises allowed!).

As the countdown to Christmas ticks away, the sensory overload can hit hard, sometimes leading to dramatic reactions, including the dreaded vomiting. Yikes! We try to keep things chill, but it can be a circus sometimes. Sticking to a routine is our secret sauce, but with everyone’s schedules all over the place, it can turn into a meltdown festival! Meal prep?

Picture cooking for five picky chefs with their own sensory quirks—it's like a culinary juggling act! We give Kaylee the lowdown on her gifts ahead of time since surprises can be a little much for her, although she does appreciate the thrill of tiny surprises. And when it comes to clothes, we’ve learned that comfort is key! Pajamas are our fabulous uniform of choice. 

Despite the holiday hurdles, we all rally to make the season as merry as possible, 

And the older kids try to make it as special as possible especially for our little 2-year-old, ensuring the magic remains intact! ( even if he doesn’t like Santa) he is actually terrified of him 😬😭🎄

We’ve found that creating our own traditions helps keep the magic alive while accommodating everyone's needs. From crafting to baking cookies, these activities allow us to enjoy the holiday spirit in a way that feels right for our family. We also plan sensory-friendly outings, like visiting a quiet park or taking a drive to enjoy the holiday lights from the comfort of our car.

These moments allow us to connect with the festive atmosphere without overwhelming anyone. Communication is our ally, too. We regularly check in with each other to see how everyone is doing and make adjustments as needed. It’s a team effort, and every small tweak can make a big difference in keeping the holiday cheer alive. Above all, we remind ourselves to take a step back and breathe, cherishing the laughter, love, and unique experiences that come with our holiday season. For us, Christmas isn’t about perfection, but about creating joyful memories that reflect the beautiful diversity of our family. 🎄