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The holiday season can bring excitement, chaos, and unique challenges—especially for families of children with disabilities. In today’s episode, I share encouragement and practical strategies to help you create a meaningful, imperfectly perfect holiday season. From using visual schedules and social stories to reducing sensory overload and handling those well-meaning (but unsolicited) comments, this episode is packed with tips to help you navigate the holidays with grace and joy.

You’ll also hear real-life examples from our community and empowering responses for those tricky moments with friends or family. Whether it’s simplifying traditions, focusing on connection, or celebrating small wins, this episode reminds you: You are enough. Your family’s version of the holidays is beautiful and worthy, just as it is.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to use visual schedules and social stories to create predictability and reduce anxiety.
• Ways to adapt holiday traditions to avoid sensory overload and foster inclusion.
• Benefits of embracing imperfection and prioritizing connection over perfection.
• Real-life tips from moms like Rhonda Moss, Melissa Shatney-Foran, Lisa Tschudi, and Rebecca Finch-Vitsmun.
• Empowering responses to handle common (and sometimes judgmental) holiday comments.
• A glimpse into Mary Ann Hughes’ “25 Days of Holiday Tips”.
• How to prepare family and friends for your child’s needs and set boundaries with confidence.

Resources Mentioned:

• Mary Ann Hughes’ 25 Days of Holiday Tips -
  https://bit.ly/SFTholidaytipvideos 
• PDF of empowering strategies for handling holiday comments—message me with the word “advice” to get your copy!

Key Takeaways:

• Let go of perfection. The magic lies in the small, imperfect moments of connection and joy.
• Simplify and adapt. Prioritize what works best for your family and leave behind what doesn’t.
• Advocate with confidence. Respond with grace and empowerment when navigating tricky holiday conversations.
• Focus on connection. Sometimes the simplest traditions—like reading a book or watching a movie together—make the biggest impact.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a fellow mom who could use a little extra support this holiday season. Let’s spread love, hope, grace, and connection.

The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. Give yourself permission to let go, embrace the joy in the chaos, and create moments that truly matter for your family. You’ve got this!

Wishing you a peaceful, love-filled holiday season. 

Live with intention and embrace the journey.

Connect with me:

Valerie's Links: https://bit.ly/3RL0da2

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/