Preparing for the Holidays with Kailee, Calm Routines for Our Autistic Family | E66

Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy.

The holidays are coming, and I am here with my wife, Kailee, to talk about how we prepare our family for this season. We share what is working for Wyatt after a tough stretch post-anesthesia, how we lower stress with simple traditions, and how we protect sibling connection for Jesse. We talk about gluten-free and dairy-free swaps, magnesium and other calming tools, the power of small moments like Christmas lights and movie nights, and why flexible plans can turn a hard day into a good memory. If you are carrying holiday anxiety, you are not alone. You can make a safe plan, you can choose your battles, and your small traditions can still feel big.

Key Takeaways

• Lower the bar for holiday expectations, then celebrate small wins.
• Build simple family traditions you control, like a lights drive or a movie night.
• Keep food plans clear: gluten-free and dairy-free first, treats in moderation.
• Plan for sensory breaks and quiet rooms at gatherings.
• Sibling awareness matters. Give each child time that feels special.
• Flexible schedules reduce stress. Decide day-of if an event fits your child’s needs.
• Safety first: doorknob covers and clear exit plans calm everyone.
• Gifts can wait. If opening presents is hard in the moment, try later at home.
• Track recent changes after medical events, then adjust supports.
• Parents need care too. Use calming tools and ask for help when you need it.

Make sure to visit spectrumincamouflage.com for past episodes, tools, and updates. If you have a question or a story to share, I would love to hear it.

Let’s keep this season simple, calm, and special, one small tradition at a time.

Call to action: Visit spectrumincamouflage.com and send your questions or ideas to [e-mail].

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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at [e-mail].

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.