Julie & Jel Legg discuss the complexities of navigating Christmas with ADHD, focusing on how ADHD-related traits influence experiences of the holiday season.
They reflect on how their perspectives on Christmas have shifted throughout their lives—from childhood excitement to the more nuanced, sometimes overwhelming experience of adulthood. They chat about how ADHD tendencies like impulsivity, overwhelm, and sensory sensitivity can be triggered during the festive season. The conversation explores both the challenges and the strategies to make Christmas more enjoyable and less stressful.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Evolving Relationship with Christmas: Childhood Christmases were full of joy and sensory stimulation (e.g., lights, toys, and TV) without the responsibility of organizing events. As adults, the nature of Christmas changed, becoming a time of social obligation, gift-giving stress, and sensory overload.
- Common ADHD Triggers at Christmas: Overwhelm: Managing shopping, gift-giving, and social interactions all at once can cause emotional and mental shutdowns. Sensory Overload: Crowded shopping centres, family gatherings, and heightened noise and lights can feel overstimulating. Small Talk and Social Pressure: Family gatherings often bring an expectation of small talk, which can be draining and unengaging for those with ADHD.
- Christmas Strategies: Sensory Management: Recognizing when to take a step back to avoid sensory overload. Managing Expectations: Letting go of the idea of a "perfect Christmas" and instead prioritizing rest and well-being.
- Simplifying Plans: Reducing the complexity of holiday obligations, such as opting for simpler meals or rethinking the need for extravagant decorations or gifts.
- Reflections on the Holiday Season: The "all-or-nothing" nature of ADHD can lead to extreme preparation efforts or complete shutdowns. The impulsivity of ADHD can show up in buying unnecessary or excessive gifts, and anxiety over family dynamics and small talk, can make gatherings feel exhausting.
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