Preparing Your Child for a Successful Holiday Season 

The holiday season is a joyful time filled with family traditions, travel, celebrations, and exciting activities. But for many children on the autism spectrum, these changes can feel overwhelming. At Butterfly Effects, we help families across the U.S. prepare for a smoother, calmer, and more enjoyable holiday season — using evidence-based ABA strategies, individualized support, and structured routines. 

This updated 2025 guide includes practical ABA recommendations, sensory-friendly tips, and regional support information for families in the states we serve. 

Why ABA Therapy Is Especially Important During the Holiday Season 

Many families notice a rise in behavioral challenges during long school breaks. Increased ABA hours during December can help your child: 

• Maintain consistent daily structure 

• Stay engaged in purposeful, skill-building activities 

• Practice communication and social skills 

• Prepare for transitions and unexpected changes 

• Develop flexibility and emotional regulation 

• Work on independence (chores, organization, routines) 

• Prepare for returning to school after winter break 

• Reduce anxiety associated with travel and visitors 

For many children, additional ABA support leads to a calmer, more predictable, and enjoyable holiday experience. 

Holiday Planning: ABA-Based Tips for December 2025 

1. Think Ahead and Identify Routine Changes 

The holiday season often brings: 

• No school or modified schedules 

• Later bedtimes and earlier wake-ups 

• New environments, relatives, and sensory inputs 

• Travel and overstimulation 

• Large family gatherings 

• Less structure and unpredictability 

Work with your BCBA to identify potential triggers and proactive strategies for each. 

2. Create Predictable Structure for the Break 

Predictability helps reduce anxiety. Effective tools include: 

Daily Holiday Visual Schedule 

Include: 

• Morning routines 

• Chores 

• Holiday activities 

• Sensory breaks 

• ABA sessions 

• Family events 

• Free time 

Even during winter break, a simple schedule greatly increases comfort and stability. 

Holiday Social Stories 

Create stories about: 

• Visiting family 

• Opening presents 

• Travel 

• Holiday meals 

• Loud environments 

• Interactions with cousins/relatives 

3. Identify Calm & Safe Spaces Ahead of Time 

Whether you’re visiting relatives in Florida, traveling in Texas, or hosting family at home, plan for sensory-friendly calm zones. 

Consider: 

• A quiet bedroom 

• A designated reading corner 

• Noise-canceling headphones 

• A weighted blanket 

• A small “break kit” with preferred items 

Mapping this out ahead of time helps children self-regulate successfully. 

Holiday Activities That Support ABA Goals 

Here are activities that help build independence, fine motor skills, communication, and executive functioning — while creating meaningful family memories: 

• Decorating the tree or setting up holiday décor 

• Wrapping presents 

• Holiday crafts 

• Baking cookies (following steps, sequencing, reading) 

• Setting the table for gatherings 

• Making place cards 

• Helping organize toys and prepare donations 

• Preparing hot chocolate and reading together 

• Packing a suitcase for travel 

• Choosing appropriate leisure activities for long car rides 

• Creating social stories for upcoming events 

• Practicing saying “thank you” for all gifts 

• Fun cleanup routines with music 

Your BCBA can embed skill-building opportunities directly into these activities.