How Neurodivergent Adults Can Enjoy Christmas Without Overwhelm
Our Founder, Sara-Louise Ackrill, looks at strategies neurodivergent people can use to enjoy Christmas whist managing the holiday overwhelm.
For many, Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with lights, music, and family gatherings. But for neurodivergent people, the day itself can be overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally intense.
I’ve experienced this myself and have been celebrating Christmas differently since I was 14. While I love the festive atmosphere of December, the Day itself often requires careful planning and structure to avoid sensory overload and social pressure.
Why Christmas Day Can Be Challenging
Being around people I know, but seeing them behave differently simply because it’s Christmas, can feel disorienting. For me:
I thrive on structure and purpose on the Day itself.
Family gatherings are easier when scheduled before or after Christmas.
Without a plan, I can quickly feel overwhelmed and anxious.
Finding Joy Through Alternative Celebrations
Over the years, I’ve found ways to enjoy Christmas while managing the intensity:
Attending pantomimes
Travelling to new locations
Volunteering on the Day
Spending time out with friends at a hotel or café
Here’s a glimpse of one of my Christmases in Dubai (an example of celebrating differently, yet joyfully)
Helping Others Enjoy Christmas as Neurodivergent
I’ve run Christmas workshops for neurodivergent people and those with complex lives, helping them design a Christmas they could genuinely enjoy and communicate their plan to family members.
Hearing participants return in January saying, "OMG, that was the first Christmas I ever enjoyed!" was an incredibly rewarding experience.
Tips to Enjoy Christmas Without Overwhelm
If you find Christmas challenging, here are some strategies that can help:
Plan a structured activity for the Day
Break up family time into manageable segments
Create alternative celebrations that feel meaningful to you
Communicate your needs and boundaries clearly
Focus on aspects of December you love, even if the 25th is different
Final Thoughts
Christmas doesn’t have to fit a “one-size-fits-all” model. Whether it’s travelling, volunteering, altering traditions, or creating your own rituals, there are ways for neurodivergent people to enjoy the holidays.
If Christmas feels overwhelming for you, I can help you design a Christmas that works for your needs, so you can enjoy the season without stress.
I am running a Lunch and Learn session on Wednesday 17th December, called Surviving Christmas the ND Way - Designing the Christmas you want, where I will be speaking about managing Christmas from an ND perspective and opening the floor to questions. It is completely free, and you can sign up here: Lunch & Learn | Surviving Christmas the ND Way - Designing the Christmas you want