Good Morning Lovelies,

Often at Christmas we see huge groups coming together to celebrate. However, there is nothing wrong with having a smaller, quieter Christmas if that works for you. In recent years, I have spent Christmas Day with just my mum, spending it snuggled up in bed, until dinner time, wearing cosy Christmas PJs, whilst watching all the best festive TV and films. 

When I was younger, we would have big Christmas affairs. All my family would travel to ours to have the loudest times possible. Yet, since COVID and the passing of my dad, those times have changed to be a smaller affair and I love it. I love the cosiness that we share together and the easy nature of the day. 

There is no rushing around to make sure that everything is perfect or that we are ready for guests. There is no expectation or stress that someone will or won’t like what is put on the Christmas dinner table. In fact, it is so chilled that we don’t even have any washing up at the end of it. We do it as we go along. 

If you are like me and love a quieter time than I am so happy! Don’t get me wrong, I really miss the Christmas Days of before, but I also don’t know if I could handle them. Learning about how much noise and overstimulation affects my autism, I have found that I can’t handle too much in one go. 

The still nature of our Christmas days now make this easier to manage. As for the eating side of things, I don’t feel nervous eating my festive tea in front of my mum, as I would with others, because I have mentally prepared for it for a long time. If there were lots of people there then I know my ED symptoms would be heightened, leading to a lot of upset. 

Christmas can be a time for real chaos, however, if you are planning on having just a quiet time, then that is perfectly okay too. You need to do what is best for you and that means spending the day how you want to. Whether that be ordering a takeaway and sitting in front of the TV or hosting a big bash in all your finest clothes, how you celebrate is all down to you and your happiness! 

They do say that Christmas is the happiest time of the year and I couldn’t agree with that saying any more! Especially if you are doing it the way that makes you smile the most lovelies! Something I will always be on board with! 

Joey X