Language
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Swedish

Insurance Funding Request

Did you know Firefly products may be funded by your insurance?

Learn More
Back to Firefly Blog

5 Ways to Make it Through this Christmas

5 Ways to Make it Through this Christmas

We all have an image in our heads of what we think the perfect Christmas should look like. Full of traditions, happy and smiling children, no arguing – you know, very jolly, merry and bright.  The truth is I very much doubt that’s the case in any household, no matter the circumstances. But when you’re walking in our shoes, the pressure can be tenfold because we tend to be extra hard on ourselves.

Here are 5 ways to make it through the festive period.

  • Create your own traditions and do whatever works

This. All of this. Do whatever works for your family and create your own traditions. Maybe that’s an untraditional Christmas dinner. Maybe that’s the iPad featuring a lot throughout the day. Maybe that’s Christmas Day in the safety and reassurance of your own home. Go with it, do what works for you and don’t worry about what others are doing. It’s so important.

  • Be honest with family and friends

Yes, it would be nice if they just *got it* but let’s face it unless you’re walking a similar path, chances are you don’t. So let family and friends know what works for you. Accept help when offered. The ones that listen to and stick around to support you are the ones that matter.  

  • Don’t put pressure on yourself to go to festive events

Perhaps visiting Santa’s grotto isn’t something your child would enjoy, or a festive outdoor event would be too busy or loud for them. Don’t put pressure on yourself to do these things just because you feel you should. They don’t matter. What does is your sanity and your child’s happiness.

  • There is no shame in doing some things separately as a family instead of all together

I often take my daughter to things that I can’t take her brother to for a variety of reasons – access, sensory issues, their different needs. This means that sometimes we split up to do things as a family Yes, it isn’t the ideal scenario, but we must do what’s best for both of our children and think about both of their needs. And I don’t feel any shame for that (although of course there is always a side of mum guilt because it comes with the territory).

  • Be kind to yourself

BE KIND TO YOURSELF – I’m raising my voice for those of you at the back. This path we’re walking isn’t always easy and the journey is a long one. Try not to be too hard on yourself. You can only ever try your best. One step at a time.

Firefly Blog

Real life stories, issues and experiences of day to day life by special needs parents and
healthcare professionals.

Laura Rutherford

Meet Our Blogger

Mum to Brody & Sydney. Inclusion campaigner. Tesco Junior nappy co-creator.

View Laura’s Profile

Become a Firefly Blogger

Would you like to write for Firefly? Join our blogger network of parents, therapists and professionals.

Get In Touch

Become a subscriber today

Join over 40,000 subscribers to our weekly newsletter with insightful articles just when you need them.

Join Mailing List

By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Click here for more info.

Accept & Close

No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on

Purchases on $99+

US Customers only. Subject to credit approval. See terms below

Paypal Credit

Pay now or pay over time with PayPal Credit. Just use PayPal Credit in PayPal checkout.

Subject to credit approval.

Purchases of $99+:

No Interest if paid in full in 6 months on purchases of $99 or more.

  • A minimum monthly payment is required and may or may not pay off the promotional purchase by the end of the 6 month period.
  • No interest will be charged on the purchase if you pay it off in full within 6 months. If you do not, interest will be charged on the purchase from the purchase date at the Purchase APR applicable to your account.
  • For New Accounts: Variable Purchase APR is 25.49%. The APR is accurate as of 6/1/2018 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate (as defined in your credit card agreement). Minimum interest charge is $2.00.
  • Individual items that are less than $99 qualify for special financing when combined for a total of $99 or more in a single transaction.
  • Multiple separate transactions of less than $99 per transaction cannot be combined to meet the minimum purchase amount.

Purchases of $98.99 or less:

Buy now and pay over time with PayPal Credit when you spend $98.99 or less.

  • If you pay your balance in full each month by the payment due date that is on your statement, you can avoid paying interest.
  • Or, make minimum monthly payments, or any additional amount of your choosing, until you've paid off your balance according to your standard account terms. Please note, interest charges may apply.
  • We'll send you email reminders when your payments are due. You can also keep track of your account and view your statements online at any time.

About PayPal Credit

  • PayPal Credit is a reusable credit line available on purchases at thousands of stores that accept PayPal. It's also available for purchases on eBay and exclusively at thousands of other online stores. Plus, it comes with the same security and flexibility you trust from PayPal.
  • If approved, we start you off with a minimum credit line of at least $250. See FAQs for more info.
  • For New Accounts: Variable Purchase APR is 25.49%. The APR is accurate as of 6/1/2018 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate (as defined in your credit card agreement). Minimum interest charge is $2.00. See Terms and Conditions tab for more info.
  • If you miss a payment your late fee could be up to $38, even less if it's your first time. See FAQs for more info.

Please wait...