The festive
season looks lovely on adverts but in real life it can feel like wading through
glitter covered chaos. If you are autistic this time of year can hit you with
more noise, more smells, more flashing lights, more people wanting something,
more drinking pressure and less routine than your nervous system signed up for.
A
few thoughts to help you stay steady rather than burnt out by Boxing Day.
Notice
what actually drains you. Loud music. Crowded rooms. Perfume clouds. People who
think refill means top up until you drown. Whatever it is, name it. When you
can name it you can plan for it.
Give
yourself permission to step out. Bathrooms. Balconies. Back gardens. A few
minutes of quiet can stop your sensory system from tipping into overwhelm. You
are not rude for taking space. You are regulating your brain so you can
function.
Eat
regularly and drink water. Sounds obvious but once you are swept into festive
nonsense your body can hit meltdown territory fast.
Protect
your routine. Choose one or two anchor points for the day. Your morning cup in
the same spot. A ten minute walk. Your evening wind down. Small things hold
your nervous system in place when everything else goes off script.
Plan
your exit before you arrive. Know how long you want to stay and stick to it.
Leaving early is better than leaving in sensory collapse.
If
drinking pressure is part of your personal nightmare, prepare a simple line. I
am good with what I have. Works every time. Say it like you mean it.
Choose
your environment when you can. Smaller gatherings. Softer lights. One or two
people you actually like rather than a room full of chaos merchants.
Let
yourself regulate the way your brain likes to regulate. If you need a day on
the sofa with Netflix. Do it. If you reset through gaming. Do it. Your nervous
system does not care about festive expectations. It cares about safety.
Give
yourself the sensory things that calm you. Crunchy food. Familiar textures. A
weighted scarf. Your favourite jumper. Something to fidget with. Soft lighting
at home afterwards. Comfort is not indulgence. It is self care.
And
remember you are allowed to do festive your way. If that means a quiet day with
a film and something warm to drink rather than a room full of shouting people
then that is a legitimate Christmas. You are not required to perform joy on
demand.
If
this season feels too much you are not weak. You are autistic in a world that
does not slow down. Do what keeps you well. The rest can wait.
