With Kailee: Christmas With an Autistic Child, Lower the Pressure, Keep the Meaning

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

It’s the Friday before Christmas, and Kailee and I wanted to talk honestly about what the holidays can feel like in a home like ours, the good moments, the hard moments, and everything in between. We share how Wyatt has had some high-stimulation days lately, how a good chiropractic appointment and a calm day can feel like a huge win, and how we’ve learned to stop forcing “normal” holiday expectations. We talk about getting our Christmas tree as a family, keeping things short when we need to, and letting Wyatt be comfortable even if that means he’s nearby but not involved in every tradition. Kailee also shares something big, sometimes you just need to feel your feelings, even if it looks like a “pity party” for a day. We close out with what we want you to hear most, you’re not alone, it’s okay if the holidays bring extra pressure, and Christmas is about connection, memories, and for us, keeping the birth of Christ at the center.

Key Takeaways

• It’s okay to feel sad, overwhelmed, or frustrated during the holidays, you can feel the “yuck” and still find joy.
• Some seasons require shorter outings and earlier exits, that is not failure, that is wisdom.
• You don’t have to force traditions, if your child is comfortable nearby, that still counts as being together.
• The holidays can trigger overstimulation and sleep issues, and it can hit harder than other times of the year.
• Christmas does not have to look like social media, your calm, connected moments matter.
• Parents can accidentally turn on each other under stress, naming that helps you stay on the same team.
• It helps to shift the goal from “perfect” to “peace,” and from “stuff” to “connection.”
• For our family, Christmas is about memories, and most importantly, the birth of Jesus.

If this episode hit home, share it with another parent who might need to hear it. And if you’re listening right now feeling worn down, give yourself a little grace this week.

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