When Christmas Feels More Chaotic Than Calm
- Gemma Sharp
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
Every year we tell ourselves this Christmas will be different. We picture cozy moments, laughter, and connection. But before we know it, the calendar's full, the noise levels are high, and the meltdowns - ours or our children's - start creeping in.
Because while Christmas is meant to be magical, it’s also one of the most overwhelming times of the year for families.
The Hidden Challenges of Christmas for Our Children
Children - especially those who are neurodivergent, highly sensitive, or who feel emotions deeply - thrive on predictability, calm, and routine. What does Christmas bring? The complete opposite. Suddenly, their world looks, sounds, and feels different. Imagine this:
Bright lights everywhere.
Loud music and crowded shops.
Late nights and disrupted sleep.
Endless social gatherings and “be on your best behaviour.”
A calendar filled with excitement, sugar, and surprises.
Even for neurotypical children, that’s a lot for the brain to process. For neurodivergent children, it can be completely overwhelming, leading to meltdowns, anxiety, or shutdowns that feel confusing and exhausting for everyone.
And Then There’s Us - The Parents
We’re trying to hold it all together. The gifts, the food, the family expectations, the emotional needs of our children, and our own desire to make everything “perfect.”
But perfection comes at a cost.
We lose the calm, the connection, and the quiet moments that actually make Christmas special.
What Our Children Really Need
Our children don't need a Pinterest-perfect Christmas. They need a sense of safety, routine, and connection with us.
It Doesn’t Have to be Chaotic
If this sounds familiar — if you’ve ever thought “I love Christmas, but it’s just so much” — then you’re not alone.
That’s exactly why I’m running my new online workshop:
"Transforming Chaos to Calm at Christmas for Parents".
This gentle, practical session is designed to help you:
Understand why Christmas can trigger big emotions in both neurodivergent and neurotypical children.
Spot the early signs of overwhelm before things escalate.
Learn simple, real-life strategies to bring calm back to your home.
Keep yourself grounded and regulated through the festive rush.
Remember, you deserve to enjoy Christmas too — not just survive it.
Let’s Make This Christmas Special
Join the workshop and learn transformative strategies to make this season easier for everyone in your family.
Reserve your spot by clicking on the button below:
Additionally, everyone who signs up will also receive a FREE copy of my “Transforming Chaos to Calm” eBook — packed with calming strategies to help your family enjoy a more peaceful, connected Christmas.
Let’s remember — Christmas can be magical, even amidst the chaos.
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