The Joy of Connection: Suggestions for Savoring the Holidays Together

Connection is essential for children’s development. Feeling safe, seen, and supported strengthens their ability to regulate emotions, build resilience, and engage with the world around them.

The holidays are a perfect time to nurture this connection, creating moments of warmth and wonder that foster growth and belonging.

Maintain Familiar Routines, even on the go...

Familiar routines are like anchors in busy times. Bring favorite snacks, stories, or bedtime rituals along to new or busy places to maintain a sense of security. Whether it’s a nightly story, a morning walk, or a shared song, these small, portable habits can help everyone feel safe and connected, even if you are far from home.  

Sensory-Friendly Suggestions:

• Pack a small sensory kit with items like noise-canceling headphones, a fidget toy, or a favorite texture (e.g., a soft scarf or blanket).
• Use familiar scents like lavender or vanilla in a travel-sized spray or lotion to bring a calming environment with you.
• Create a portable “calm zone” with a weighted lap pad or a foldable pop-up tent for quiet moments

See the World Through

Your Child’s Eyes

The holidays are filled with moments of wonder: twinkling lights or candles, listening to favorite stories, or watching a magic snowfall. Take time to play; join your child in their discovery. Pause to savor their awe, ask them what they notice, and let their curiosity guide you. These moments of shared wonder become opportunities to deepen your connection.

Sensory-Friendly Suggestions:

• Look for sensory-friendly holiday events, like quieter light displays or early hours at museums or attractions.
• Bring a cuddle blanket to create a familiar surround wherever you go, a hideout from the bright, noisy space may be just what is needed to sustain the exploration!  
• Encourage hands-on exploration, like touching soft tree branches, rolling dough, or playing with snow, to ground the experience.

Balance Connection with Space

Holidays can be a whirlwind of togetherness. While these moments are precious, it’s also essential to honor the need for quiet and rest. Offer space to recharge, whether it’s a quiet corner with a favorite book or a few moments of solitude. Balancing connection with space helps everyone feel seen and supported while providing the resources to stay in connection.

Sensory-Friendly Suggestions:

• Designate a “quiet zone” at home or during gatherings, equipped with soothing items like a beanbag chair and dim lighting.
• Plan mini sensory breaks, like stepping outside for fresh air or practicing deep breathing with a soft visual focus (e.g., a snow globe).
• Use visual schedules or timers to prepare for transitions between activities and help set expectations.

Simplify and Stay Present

Amidst the hustle, it’s easy to feel the weight of “too much.” Focus on what truly matters — connection! The simple moments often outshine elaborate plans.

Sensory-Friendly Suggestions:

• Choose low-key activities, like a family movie night with cozy blankets, a quiet evening of crafting, baking, or games.
• Limit background noise by turning down music or TV during shared moments, creating a peaceful atmosphere for connection.
• Practice putting devices away in service of prolonged time unplugged and fully present.

This holiday season, let connection be your guide. By embracing routines, savoring wonder, and finding balance, you can create a season that feels both magical and meaningful.

A Time of Gratitude and Giving

During this season of thanksgiving and reflection, we hope you will consider supporting our work. Our multidisciplinary team takes an individualized, strengths-based approach which we call Therapy that fits to helping children who are neurodiverse navigate the world around them. DFX is building a culture of belonging in which people of all abilities can feel understood, be supported, and thrive.

Visit the "Give" page of our website to learn more or click on the button below to donate.

DFX is working to create systemic change by establishing a culture of engaged belonging in which children of all abilities and backgrounds will thrive.