ADHD and the Holidays

Holidays can be the most enjoyable time of the year for families. But when ADHD combines with children's excitement and anticipation, things can begin to unravel. Add a dash of disorganization to the family's planned activities, and you can be heading toward disaster. Take the time to check out what our experts have to say about surviving and thriving during holidays.  Articles with a key are available to CHADD members. If you are a member, please log in. If you are not a member, join CHADD today.

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FAQ: I get really stressed over the holidays. Do you have any suggestions to help me cope? - The key to a calmer, more enjoyable holiday is to create traditions that suit your lifestyle.

ADHD-Friendly Toys and Holiday Gifts - Stuck on what to give to a child affected by ADHD? Here are some suggestions.


From Hyper to Happy: Seasonal Tips for Anyone Affected by ADHD - For adults, couples, and families dealing with ADHD, the holidays take some additional thought and planning—and a healthy dose of humor.

Helping Parents of Children with ADHD Survive the Holiday Season - Read the transcript of Terry Matlen's advice to parents during a CHADD Ask the Expert chat on surviving the holidays with ADHD in the family.


Stay Cool Through the Yule: A Primer for Parents - Families coping with the challenges of ADHD may find the holiday season even more stressful. Parents and relatives can help children with ADHD by understanding that the frenzy of the holiday season will affect their kids’ daily lives and by expressing some empathy for what they are going through.


Whoa, Whoa, Whoa: Holiday Overspending - As soon as the turkey is off the Thanksgiving table, the holiday shopping season begins and we are bombarded with messages encouraging us to buy everything in sight. For many adults affected by ADHD, overspending results in stress and other problems when the new year rolls around and the bills come in. Here are strategies that can help.


Manage Holiday Stress - This article offers some tips, strategies, and reflections that might help you in the weeks that precede the holidays. When your hopes and expectations match your reality, it is generally because you have come to embrace how ADHD affects you and your family during the holiday season.


Surviving the Holiday Season - Here are five strategies to help put the joy back in the season.


Your Holiday Home - The holidays are here, and the big questions, such as “which traditions does our family want to celebrate and continue?” have been answered. It’s the little things that are snowballing that need to be addressed now. Such as cleaning the house.


New Year, New Calendar - One family's annual tradition can help other families affected by ADHD get on the planning track.