If you are like me, the day after Christmas is one of recovery and hopefully rest. For children and adults with a background of trauma, Christmas day can be one of sensory overload. Going to at least one long Christmas party can be so overstimulating that discomfort can result both emotionally and physically.
Therefore, in order to combat the symptoms of overstimulation, there are some things that you can do both for yourself or your child. Ask yourself what you do to relax. Do you read a good book? Does your child love to be read to? Can you go for a leisurely walk either by yourself or with your child? Can you color a picture together? These are just three practical suggestions that can help decompress this overstimulation left in the wake of a busy holiday.
Give yourself and your child permission to spend a couple days doing the things you love. Try to relax as much as possible. After a busy couple of days celebrating, one’s routine is often disrupted. Try your very best to get back into your niche. Find joy in the basic things in life. And be thankful.