Surviving Christmas: An OT Holiday Guide for Children

Supporting children during the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially when Christmas brings changes in routine, busy environments, sensory overload, and social expectations. Many children with sensory processing differences, autism, anxiety, or emotional regulation challenges struggle at this time of year, and families are often left unsure how to create a calm and enjoyable experience.

This free EquipKids Occupational Therapy Holiday Guide was created to give parents clear, practical support for navigating the festive period with confidence. Instead of providing generic holiday tips, this guide focuses specifically on the needs of children who become overwhelmed by noise, crowds, unpredictability, and heightened social demands.

Inside, you will find:

• Simple ways to reduce overwhelm in busy holiday environments

• Therapist informed approaches to support sensory regulation

• Ideas for planning ahead, reducing emotional fatigue, and easing transitions

• Practical support for social gatherings, family visits, and high stimulation events

• Connection focused reminders to help families shift away from pressure and towards what truly matters

• Language and mindset cues that help children feel understood, safe, and supported

• Holiday friendly regulation tools and routines that are achievable at home or on the go

This guide is ideal for parents of children with:

• Sensory processing differences

• Emotional regulation challenges

• Autism spectrum differences

• Anxiety or overwhelm in busy spaces

• Difficulty with changes in routine

• Social fatigue or social anxiety

EquipKids Occupational Therapy created this resource to help families enjoy a calmer, more grounded Christmas one where small adjustments lead to meaningful wins, and children feel supported rather than overwhelmed.

Download your free guide and make this holiday season a little gentler for your child… and for you.