The festive season often brings a unique mix of joy and challenges for participants and their carers. While the twinkling lights and festive music create a magical atmosphere, they can also bring additional stress and sensory overload. Here’s how to create a balanced and enjoyable holiday experience for everyone involved.
A Different Approach to Festive Shopping
Shopping centres are quietest on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, especially during the first hour after opening. Many centres now have specific quiet hours where they reduce lighting and sound levels to help people who find busy shops overwhelming. During these times, you’ll find fewer crowds, shorter queues, and more space to move around comfortably.
Online shopping has made holiday gift buying much easier. You can browse and buy from home without dealing with crowds or sensory challenges. Making wish lists early helps you stay organized and on budget. Many online stores offer gift wrapping and delivery services, which saves time and energy. You can also shop at any time that suits you and easily compare prices across different websites.
Check store websites or call ahead to confirm quiet hours and available services. Some centres also offer mobility equipment and staff assistance if needed. Planning your shopping during these quieter times or choosing to shop online can make holiday preparations much more manageable.
Quiet Times to Shop:
- Tuesday/Wednesday mornings
- First hour after store opening
- Early December before school holidays
- During sensory-friendly shopping hours
Online Shopping:
- Start in November
- Use wish lists
- Enable delivery notifications
- Choose Click & Collect options
- Request gift wrapping services
Making the Most of Short-Term Accommodation
Think of Short-Term Accommodation (STA) as your secret Christmas preparation. It’s not just about taking a break; it’s about creating space for both participants and carers to approach the season with renewed energy.
Book your STA strategically – plan now for an early December stay when the festive rush is just beginning. This timing allows carers to tackle shopping and preparation while participants enjoy a supported, calm environment.
Many families find that booking additional days in January provides a welcome recovery period after the festivities. Consider it your Silly Season decompression chamber, allowing everyone to transition gently back to regular routines.
- Book before Christmas
- Schedule early December stays for preparation time
- Book extra January days for recovery
- Confirm all booking details with Care Navigators
- Pack comfort items and familiar objects
The Art of Task Division
Share holiday tasks instead of doing everything alone. Make separate lists for gifts, food, decorations, and events. Involve your family, friends, and support workers with specific tasks. Be clear about what needs to be done and when it needs to be finished.
Plan group cooking sessions where everyone makes one dish. This spreads out the work and lets everyone join in. Getting help with tasks like wrapping presents makes the job faster and easier. Match tasks to what people can do best, and always have a backup plan if someone can’t complete their job.
Set clear deadlines and check that work is getting done on time. This keeps tasks from piling up at the last minute. Regular check-ins help make sure everything stays on track. Having more people involved means less stress for everyone and a better chance of getting everything done without exhaustion.
- Create separate gift lists
- Divide food preparation duties
- Share decoration responsibilities
- Allocate cleaning tasks
- Assign event coordination roles
Mastering Your Calendar
Your calendar is more than a scheduling tool – it’s your roadmap to a peaceful festive season. The key is learning to say ‘no’ to some invitations so you can fully enjoy the ones you accept. Space out social events with recovery days in between and mark these rest days as firmly as any other appointment.
Include preparation time in your schedule – setting up for events, transitioning between activities, and maintaining regular routines all require time. By acknowledging these needs in your planning, you reduce stress and create a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Mark non-negotiable rest days
- Space out social events
- Schedule recovery periods
- Note preparation time needed
- Include regular routine activities
The Essential Nature of Self-Care
For participants and carers, maintaining well-being during the silly season means preserving crucial elements of daily routines while embracing festive activities. Create quiet spaces at family gatherings – perhaps a designated room where someone can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Keep familiar items and comfort objects easily accessible, and don’t hesitate to communicate needs clearly.
Carers need to remember that taking care of themselves isn’t selfish – it’s essential. Use STA and respite services strategically, share caring responsibilities with trusted family members and NDIS supports, and maintain your own sleep and rest schedules. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
For Participants:
- Maintain daily routines
- Plan quiet spaces
- Keep comfort items handy
- Set clear boundaries
- Communicate needs early
For Carers:
- Schedule regular breaks
- Use respite services
- Share responsibilities
- Plan personal time
- Maintain sleep schedule
Building Your Support Network
The holiday season is the perfect time to strengthen your support network. Connect with other families who understand your challenges and joys. Share tips, resources, and maybe even festive activities. Keep a list of emergency contacts and backup carers readily available, and don’t hesitate to reach out when you need support.
Remember, the perfect festive season isn’t about doing everything – it’s about choosing what matters most to you and your loved ones. By planning carefully, using available supports, and maintaining clear communication, you can create a holiday season that everyone can enjoy.
- Identify backup carers for emergency situations
- Keep important contact numbers readily available
- Join local support groups for holiday season tips
- Connect with other participants and families for shared activities
Pro Tips:
- Start your planning early, but be flexible enough to adjust as needed
- Keep a backup plan for important activities
- Document what works (and what doesn’t) for next year
- Celebrate small victories and quiet moments
- Remember that it’s okay to create your own holiday traditions that work for your situation
Remember
The holiday season isn’t about doing everything – it’s about enjoying meaningful moments with loved ones. Prioritise what matters most to you and your family, and don’t hesitate to simplify plans when needed.
For more information or assistance with your STA arrangements, contact our Care Navigator team at contact@medistays.com.au or 1300 085 036 . Let us help you navigate the complexities of STA while ensuring full compliance and quality care.
1300 085 036