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Surviving the Festive Season, Free OT pack inside!


 

The festive season is often sold to us as a time of joy, connection and celebration, but for many children, young people, families and neurodivergent adults, it can also be one of the most overwhelming periods of the entire year.

Routines shift. Sensory environments intensify. Social expectations grow, and on top of that, we’re all carrying our own stories: grief, change, transitions, burnout, financial strain and the pressure to “stay jolly.”


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As a specialist Occupational Therapist, I see first-hand how complex Christmas can feel for the children, families and adults I support. That’s why I’ve created a completely free Festive Tips & Activities Pack, filled with practical regulation ideas, sensory strategies and mindful moments to help make the season feel more manageable.

 

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, support worker or someone navigating the holidays yourself, this pack is designed to meet you exactly where you are.


Download your free Festive Tips & Activities Pack here https://www.jbotuk.com/resources

 


Even when Christmas looks calm on the outside, the nervous system can tell a different story. Think about why the Festive Season Can Feel So Overwhelming.


Many children and adults experience:


Sensory overload due to flashing lights, background music everywhere, crowded shops, new or scratchy clothing, unusual and strong scents, and temperature changes.


Social overwhelm due to an increased number of social gatherings, dealing with unpredictable visitors and feeling the pressure to be “on”, small talk marathons,

reduced access to usual calming activities, changes in support structure and access arrangements.


Busy travel days, the emotional strain of missing loved ones, reflecting on a difficult year, comparing yourself to others online, facing financial pressures or being concerned by global events.


If any of these resonate, remember:

*You’re not alone

*You’re not “being dramatic.

*You’re responding exactly as a human nervous system responds under stress!


 

What’s Inside the Free Festive Pack?

 

The pack includes a range of OT-informed tools to help regulate, reset and bring moments of calm throughout the season:

 

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It is filled with practical, affordable sensory strategies, low-prep activities, movement, and play ideas, emotional well-being prompts, mindfulness resources and regulation-based brain breaks. These aren’t just ‘themed fun’, they are evidence-informed OT tools to downshift the nervous system, support focus and reduce overwhelm.


I have also included some useful links in the pack and curated a list of neurodiversity-friendly Christmas resources from trusted organisations such as The National Autistic Society and Autistic Girls Network.

 

This resource is designed for: Parents of neurodivergent children, Autistic or ADHD adults, Teachers and SENCOs, Support staff, Foster carers, Youth workers, Health and social care workers, and anyone who finds the festive period difficult

If you or someone you support prefers routine, predictability, gentle environments or sensory regulation, this pack could make a real difference.


Download the Free Festive Tips & Activities Pack here https://www.jbotuk.com/resources



Remember


You deserve a season that feels safe, calm and manageable, and sometimes that starts with simply having the right strategies in your pocket.


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You don’t need to “perform happiness.”

You don’t need to attend every event.

You don’t need to do a perfect Christmas.


Wishing you a gentle, grounded and authentically joyful festive season, whatever that looks like for you, and a happy and healthy 2026.


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