Preparing for Christmas

Update: 2025-12-11

Description

In this episode, Rachel and Sarah from the PDA Society begins a timely conversation about Christmas, and how the build-up can feel exciting, intense, and sometimes overwhelming for PDA children, young people, and their families.

We explore why this season can bring extra demands, changes in routine, sensory overload and social expectations, all of which can increase anxiety for PDAers. We’ll talk through the early signs that Christmas is starting to feel “too much”, and how planning ahead with a low demand, relationship-led approach can help.

This first part focuses on understanding what makes Christmas challenging in the first place, and how shifting expectations, simplifying plans and prioritising emotional safety can lay the groundwork for a calmer festive period.

Key Themes

Why Christmas can feel overwhelming for PDA learners and families
The impact of increased demands, uncertainty and sensory load
Noticing early signs of anxiety and overload
Reducing pressure through flexible planning
Prioritising emotional safety and connection over tradition

Deep Diver Subscriber Episode

For those who would like to go further, Part 2, an exclusive “Deep Diver” subscriber episode, is available through our Training Hub. You can access it here: https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society. While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs. Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.

Further sources of support and information