Holiday Prep: How to Manage Therapy During the Busy Holiday Season

The holiday season is full of excitement, twinkling lights, special events, family gatherings, and long to-do lists. While this time of year brings joy and celebration, it can also be overwhelming for families with children in therapy. Routines shift, schedules fill up quickly, and children may become overstimulated or out of sync. At York Paediatric Therapy Services, we understand how important consistency is for a child’s development, even during the holidays. With a little planning and flexibility, therapy goals can stay on track while still making space for holiday fun.

Here are our top tips for managing therapy during the busy holiday season:

1. Stick to the Core of Your Routine When You Can

While it's natural for schedules to change during the holidays, try to maintain the basics of your child's routine, including mealtimes, bedtimes, and some form of daily structure. This helps children feel secure and supports emotional regulation, making it easier for them to participate in therapy when needed.

Tip: Even if you're travelling or hosting guests, create a simple visual schedule or checklist to keep things predictable for your child.

2. Communicate with Your Therapy Team

Let your therapist know about any upcoming schedule changes, travel plans, or events that may affect your child's availability or energy levels. Your therapy team can help adjust goals, provide home strategies, or offer virtual sessions when needed.

Tip: Ask your therapist for a holiday toolkit. It's simple, play-based activities that can be done at home to support your child's current goals.

3. Use Holiday Activities as Therapy Opportunities

The holidays are filled with sensory-rich, movement-filled, and communication-heavy moments that can double as therapy practice.

Examples:

• Speech and Language: Writing holiday cards, singing songs, or describing decorations.

• Occupational Therapy: Baking cookies, wrapping presents, or making crafts to support fine motor skills.

• Physiotherapy: Sledding, dancing, or helping decorate the house can promote balance, coordination, and strength.

4. Be Mindful of Sensory Overload

Bright lights, loud music, crowds, and new foods can overwhelm children sensitive to sensory input. Prepare ahead of time and provide calming strategies to help your child manage these environments.

Tip: Pack a sensory toolkit for outings, noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or a comfort item, and build in quiet time at home after stimulating activities.

5. Set Realistic Expectations

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. It’s okay to scale back or simplify your plans to meet your child’s needs. Focus on quality time, connection, and small moments of progress.

Tip: Reflect on what has worked well in previous years and choose traditions that support, not stress, your child’s development and well-being.

6. Celebrate Progress and Set Intentions for the New Year

As the year winds down, acknowledge your child’s hard work and growth. Involve them in setting small, achievable therapy goals for the year ahead.

At York Paediatrics, we’re here to support your family throughout the holidays and beyond. With a flexible mindset and a bit of creativity, therapy can blend beautifully into the season and help your child continue to shine.