Getting Through the Holidays By Aaron Tanner

The year 2019 is almost over, which means the holiday season is just upon us. For people with disabilities, especially in my case, with high functioning Autism, the holidays can be overwhelming. The big reason is there is a lot of overstimulation this time of year and is a change in routine. Many fatty treats that one does not usually eat the rest of the year can mess with a sensitive person’s dietary needs.

Even though the holidays can be stressful, I also do not want to be a scrooge. Thanksgiving and Christmas should be a fun time of year to celebrate with friends and family and to reflect on the past year.

Here are some things I will attempt to incorporate into my holiday routine that I hope others with disabilities can follow, as well. First off, do not try to overschedule activities during the holidays. Many different events are going on between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it is just not possible to do everything. Trying to do too much can lead to burnout and can ruin the holiday season.

I have decided that the two things I really want to do include going to a friend’s pre-Thanksgiving dinner and attend my Company’s Holiday Party for the first couple of hours. My church’s life group might do something small for Christmas. If I can do more, great, but I am not going to push myself as doing too much can lead to a meltdown and high anxiety.

The second thing I recommend for the Holidays for someone with a disability is to not gorge on holiday sweets. Even though I have a sweet tooth, too much sugar and caffeine can lead to being hyper and super anxious, which can lead to a meltdown. Instead, pick one sweet thing at an office or a party and then eat something healthy for the rest of the time. When I’m tempted to gorge on sweets, I have to remind myself that being hyper an anxious is not worth that extra chocolate ball or cookie.

Finally, learn to be thankful for what you have. Even though I have a lot to get done this holiday season, at least I have places to go and things to do, so I am not stuck isolated at my house this season. I know about many children and adults with disabilities, especially High-Functioning Autism, who are lonely, and seeing people with family and friends while being excluded from social events can be damaging to one’s confidence and self-esteem.

Perhaps as a family, one can give of their time by visiting a soup kitchen, nursing home, or donating gifts to those less fortunate. I especially like how the local Salvation Army Angel Tree has gift ideas not only for less fortunate children in our area but for senior citizens as well. Blessing someone else often makes me feel good and to be lucky for what I do have.

The holidays can be hard on people with disabilities but can also bring people and families affected by one closer together. Perhaps the greatest gift one can give a person with a disability is friendship and acknowledging that they exist. Happy Holidays to everyone in the Tennessee Valley.

What plans do you have to lessen possible stressors related to the holidays? Comment in the section below.