Strategies for Surviving Winter Break

The winter holidays can be a welcome pause for some families, but for many parent carers it brings a change of routine, increased demands, and the pressure to create a “happy holiday” while also meeting everyone’s needs including our own. Here are some gentle, realistic strategies to help you navigate the weeks ahead in whatever way works for your family.

1. Lower the Bar — and Then Lower It Again

Winter break often comes with big expectations. It’s absolutely okay if your plans look different from other families’. Choose what matters most to your child and focus your energy there. Small, predictable moments often go much further than perfect plans.

2. Keep (Some) Routine if It Helps

Many children and young people rely on structure. Keeping a few familiar anchors — regular mealtimes, quiet time, a daily walk, or a predictable bedtime routine — can help the break feel calmer and more manageable.

3. Plan for Transitions

Even small changes can be overwhelming. Visual schedules, countdowns, calendars, or simple reminders can help ease the shift between activities, outings, or visitors. Preparing siblings can also reduce stress for everyone.

4. Create a ‘Pause Space’

If possible, set aside a calm area in the home where your child can retreat when things feel too much. It might be a favourite chair, a dim corner with cushions, or even headphones and a blanket. And remember: you deserve a pause space too.

5. Don’t Feel Obliged to Attend Everything

Seasonal events can be loud, crowded, and unpredictable. It’s absolutely fine to say no — or to leave early. Choose what feels manageable. Your child’s wellbeing, and yours, is more important than any expectation.

6. Keep Activities Simple

Board games, sensory play, a walk to see winter lights, a film afternoon, or baking together can provide structure without overwhelm. Simple activities often create the most connection.

7. Prepare for School Return Early

The transition back can be tricky. Gentle reminders, visual timetables, checking transport arrangements, or reconnecting with key staff before term starts may help reduce anxiety for both you and your child.

8. Remember Your Needs Matter Too

Parent carers often put themselves last. But even tiny moments of rest — a hot drink, five minutes of quiet, a message to a friend, stepping outside for fresh air — genuinely make a difference. You deserve care as much as anyone.

9. Reach Out if Things Feel Difficult

Winter can feel isolating, especially when services slow down. You are not expected to cope alone.

• The Oxfordshire SEND Room on Facebook is a welcoming peer-support space where parent carers can connect, share experiences, and feel less alone: https://www.facebook.com/groups/762407444464167

• Oxfordshire Mind offers support with mental health and wellbeing: https://www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk

• Samaritans are available 24/7 if things feel overwhelming: 116 123

• SHOUT offers free 24/7 text support for anyone in crisis: text SHOUT to 85258

Reaching out is a strength, not a failure.

10. Celebrate the Wins — Big and Small

Getting through the day, managing a meltdown, finding a moment of peace, or simply showing up again tomorrow are all successes. Acknowledge them. You’re doing an incredible job.

Alongside Our Tips…

We’re also sharing a brilliant visual guide from Contact (at the top of this article) with simple ideas for keeping things calmer and more manageable during Christmas. It offers practical reminders about routines, low-pressure gift-giving, following your child’s lead, and spreading activities out across the month. We hope it sits alongside our winter break strategies as another supportive resource you can dip into.

And if you have any strategies that help you get through the winter break, we’d love to hear them. Please feel free to share your tips with other parent carers over in the Oxfordshire SEND Room — sometimes the ideas that help the most come from people who truly understand.

A Final Note

Whether your winter break is busy, quiet, overwhelming, joyful, or something in between, please remember you are not alone. Our community understands the realities behind the scenes, and we stand beside you.

Wishing you warmth, gentleness, and strength throughout the winter break — in whatever form you need it.