New Year’s Tips and Activities

The New Year brings about a season of change. Change is simultaneously exciting and nerve-racking!

Just like Christmas, the New Year's hustle and bustle may be a challenge for some children with sensory processing issues. Remember, the holiday season can be very difficult because first, there is Christmas, and then New Year’s Eve falls just a few days after the craziness of Christmas is over. Most adults become overwhelmed with how busy this season is, let alone a child with sensory processing challenges (or even some children without sensory processing challenges! The holidays can be very busy and overwhelming for everybody!).

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t include your child in the fun of celebrating the coming of the New Year. It is all about planning and accommodating your child to make sure that they have fun, too, instead of becoming overwhelmed about the Holidays. Start new traditions and modify the old ones to make sure that everybody is having a good time. Most importantly, enjoy all the moments you have as a family!


TIPS AND IDEAS

 

  • Plan

    • This tip might get repetitive, but it’s really the best thing to do. You know your child best, and you know what triggers them and makes them overwhelmed. You also know when they usually go to bed or what makes them cranky. Prepare for anything that might overwhelm them and create an action plan.

  • Celebrate the New Year early.

    • If you have younger children or those that prefer to go to bed early, celebrate the New Year by having an early countdown. This can be a countdown to noon or a countdown to bedtime. When they go to bed, you can remind them that the next morning will be the start of a new year.

    • Celebrate early by including sparkling cider. You can play a game as a family or watch a New Year’s movie. Do crafts, wear hats, and decorate with streamers. In the evening, use glowsticks instead of firecrackers or sparklers.

  • Make accommodations.

    • If the commotion of New Year’s Eve is too loud, provide your child with earplugs or sound-canceling headphones to tone down the sound.

    • If your child is feeling overwhelmed, make sure they have access to a weighted blanket or feel like they can come to you for a hug. Alternatively, make sure they know they can go to their room or another safe space to take a break from everything.

    • If the excitement of New Year’s Eve gives your child energy because of being overstimulated, make sure they have somewhere to run around or access their normal coping tools.

  • Explain your expectations

    • If this is the first time your child is experiencing watching the ball drop, a party, or live fireworks, read them a story (from a book or social story) or have them watch a video about New Year’s Eve. This will give them an understanding of what to expect and how to react properly.


Other Great Resources

Articles:

How to Survive the Fireworks and New Years Eve Celebrations by Life Skills 4 Kids

Tips to a Sensory-Friendly New Year’s Eve from Engage Behavioral Health

Books: