Preparing for Holiday Routines and Schedule Changes: Helping Individuals Thrive During Thanksgiving
The holiday season brings joy, connection, and celebration. It also brings changes in routine, new environments, and sensory stimulation that can feel overwhelming for many individuals who thrive on structure. Whether someone receives behavior support services as a child, teen, or adult, the shift in daily rhythms around Thanksgiving can create stress without the right preparation.
At New Beginnings Behavior Intervention Services, we believe that holidays should be meaningful and enjoyable for everyone. With thoughtful planning and simple, proactive strategies, families can create a Thanksgiving experience that feels comfortable, predictable, and successful.
Why Routine Changes Can Be Challenging
Routines provide stability. When schedules shift during the holidays, individuals may experience:
Increased anxiety or uncertainty
Difficulty adjusting to new environments or expectations
Sensory overload from gatherings, travel, or larger-than-usual crowds
Trouble communicating needs in unfamiliar situations
Acknowledging these challenges is the first step toward supporting smoother transitions.
Tips for Navigating Holiday Schedule Changes
1. Preview the Day in Advance
Talking through the plan for Thanksgiving helps reduce uncertainty and prepares individuals for what to expect.
Consider using:
A simple visual schedule
A quick written outline
Photos of where you’ll be going
Brief conversations about who will be there
Even a short preview can make the day feel more predictable.
2. Build in Break Time
Thanksgiving gatherings can be busy and loud. Offering breaks gives individuals space to regulate when things become overwhelming.
Breaks might include:
Sitting in a quiet room
Using noise-canceling headphones
Stepping outside for fresh air
Bringing a favorite sensory tool or calming activity
Think of breaks as helpful, not disruptive.
3. Bring Familiar Items
Small comfort items can make new environments feel safer.
This may include:
A favorite snack
A familiar activity (like a book or tablet)
A sensory tool
A comfort object
Familiarity helps create a sense of grounding.
4. Keep Core Routines When Possible
You may not be able to follow the daily schedule exactly, but keeping key pieces consistent goes a long way.
This could include:
Typical wake-up and bedtime routines
Morning or evening calming activities
Regular meals or snacks at predictable times
Maintaining small anchors helps balance bigger schedule changes.
5. Set Realistic Expectations
Not every moment will go perfectly, and that’s okay. Behavior support during the holidays is about helping individuals feel successful, not meeting an idealized version of the day.
Celebrate small wins, focus on comfort, and adjust plans as needed.
6. Communicate Ahead With Hosts or Family
Letting relatives know about needs, triggers, or helpful supports can make the day smoother for everyone.
ost people appreciate knowing what helps the individual feel calm and engaged.
Turning Thanksgiving Into an Opportunity for Growth
Holiday changes aren’t just challenges, they can be opportunities to build:
Flexibility
Coping skills
Communication skills
Social engagement
Confidence in new environments
With support, individuals can learn to navigate change in ways that carry into everyday life long after the holiday season ends.
A Holiday That Works for Everyone
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By preparing in advance and using thoughtful strategies, families can create a celebration that is warm, joyful, and comfortable for everyone involved.
If your family needs help preparing for holiday routines or building coping skills, New Beginnings is here to support you. Contact us anytime to learn how our behavior consultants can help make this holiday season smoother and more enjoyable.